PHOENIX, Ariz. - Western State Colorado University women's basketball played the final exhibition game of the 2015-16 season on Thursday. The Mountaineers fought hard but fell to the 'Lopes of Grand Canyon University 77-40 on the road. Western begins the regular season next Friday, Nov. 27 against Dixie State University at the Colorado Mesa University Holiday Inn - Airport Thanksgiving Classic.

Western (0-0, 0-0 RMAC) held close to GCU (2-1, 0-0 WAC) for as long as possible. Before a last second three-pointer to close the first quarter, the Mountaineers went on an 8-2 run to pull within two points of the 'Lopes. GCU took a 18-13 lead heading into the second quarter.

After the first two exhibitions of the season, Taylor Long (So, Moreno Valley, California) entered the game as Western's leading scorer and leading rebounder, averaging 12 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game. Long came close to those averages as she led the Mountaineers in scoring with 11 points, while grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists.

A large second quarter run by GCU put separation between the two teams. It was a gap the Mountaineers were unable to close. GCU led Western 41-18 at halftime.

Western's Harlie Williams (Jr., Norwood, Colorado) contributed seven points and four rebounds. Teammate Sydnie Lengyel (Jr., Tempe, Arizona) led the Mountaineers in rebounding with seven.

GCU's Devyn Edwards led all scorers with 16 points.

Western will play two games in two days at the CMU Holiday Inn - Airport Thanksgiving Classic. After the regular season opener against Dixie State on Friday, Western will face Oklahoma Panhandle State University the following day. Both games will be played at 1 p.m. in Grand Junction, Colorado.