by PHOENIX, Ariz. – A short-handed Kansas City Women’s Basketball team build a lead early but were unable to hold on late against Grand Canyon Saturday afternoon, falling 61-50. Playing without second-leading scorer Sanaa’ St. Andre, the Roos were led by E’Lease Stafford, (Navajo) finishing with 20 points, five rebounds and three steals in 40 minutes of play.
After a sloppy first quarter that resulted in a tie, the Roos shot 7-of-13 from the field in the second quarter, building a lead as large as nine points after a three-pointer by Stafford with 1:11 left in the half. However, an 11-2 run by Grand Canyon spanning into the third quarter would bring them back into the game, and turnover problems were too much for Kansas City to overcome.
The Roos shot the ball well, finishing the game at a 47.4% clip from the field, their best field goal percentage in a loss this year. KC was held to 20-fewer field goal attempts than the Lopes, however, committing 27 turnovers and allowing 23 points off turnovers
