HOUSTON – The Huskies took on Grand Canyon University Friday afternoon in Sharp Gym coming up short 79-76 for their last home non-conference game.  

With a 13-2 lead in the first four minutes of the game, Grand Canyon (6-1) had strong starts from Kenndi Shorts and Katie Scott forcing a HBU timeout. The Huskies (3-3) pushed their way back in, drawing seven fouls and cut the lead 18-11 to end the period. After a couple HBU free throws and a layup from Jefferson to start the second period, GCU pulled away to a 16-point lead with three minutes left in the first half. With a 3-pointer from Enya Maguire, four HBU free throws, and a buzzer beating 3-pointer from Kennedy Wilson, the Huskies inched back in, finishing the half down 37-44.  

The Antelopes gained a 12-point lead late into the third, but after a fast break layup from Jefferson and three drawn fouls by HBU, the period ended with a 65-58 score. Jefferson started the fourth with a made driving layup, drawing the foul to add three points. With a couple more HBU driving layups, Julija Vujakovic ties the game up with a 3-pointer. Jefferson came down from a rebound and with an assist from Wilson back to Jefferson, the Huskies gained their first lead of the game by two. With a promising and-one from Jefferson, the Huskies struggle with fouls in the final three minutes, drop the lead and fall 79-76.  

Jefferson led the Huskies with 24 points, going 7-for-8 at the line.  Junior Vujakovic added 18 points and five rebounds, while sophomore Wilson had 12 points, both going perfect at the line. Leading with eight rebounds was sophomore Abbey Sutherland. Senior Patience Idoko contributed 10 points and three steals. 

The Antelopes had five players in double digits, led by Ny'Dajah Jackson with 18 who also added five rebounds. Katie Scott totaled 15 points with Kennedi Shorts just behind with 13 points. Laura Piera added 12 points and five rebounds and Taylor Caldwell led with eight rebounds, contributing 10 points.  

The Huskies were able to draw 26 fouls going 24-for-28 compared to GCU's 13-for-24 at the line. The Antelopes held the lead going 31-for-66 shooting 47 percent from the field, just above Huskies 46.9 percent who only had 23-for-49. GCU outrebound 40-31 and totaled 14 steals.  

The Huskies play their final non-conference game at Prairie View University in the William Nicks Building, Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m.