Published on Mar. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Grand Canyon University Lopes women’s basketball team defeated the San Jose State Spartans in a close game played at GCU Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The final score was 62-59, with the Lopes coming from behind in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This win is an important conference victory for the Lopes, who are looking to improve their record and position in the Western Athletic Conference standings. The Spartans are also a strong opponent, making this a significant win for the Lopes.

The details

The game was tightly contested throughout, with the Spartans leading for much of the first three quarters. However, the Lopes were able to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Spartans 20-15 to clinch the victory. Key players for the Lopes included senior guard Aliyah Bates, who scored a team-high 18 points, and junior forward Kayla Johnson, who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The game was played on February 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM local time in Phoenix, Arizona.
The players

Grand Canyon University Lopes

The women’s basketball team representing Grand Canyon University, a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona.

San Jose State Spartans

The women’s basketball team representing San Jose State University, a public research university located in San Jose, California.

Aliyah Bates

A senior guard for the Grand Canyon University Lopes women’s basketball team, who scored a team-high 18 points in the game.

Kayla Johnson

A junior forward for the Grand Canyon University Lopes women’s basketball team, who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying

“Our team really stepped up in the fourth quarter to secure this important conference win. I’m proud of the way we fought back and didn’t give up.”

— Aliyah Bates, Senior Guard (Phoenix New Times)

“It was a tough loss, but we’ll learn from this experience and come back stronger in our next game.”

— Kylie Stokes, Junior Forward (Phoenix New Times)

What’s next

The Lopes will next face the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros on March 5, 2026 in a crucial conference matchup.

The takeaway

This win demonstrates the Lopes’ resilience and ability to come from behind, which will be important as they continue to compete in the Western Athletic Conference and push for a postseason berth.