Phoenix (3/4/10) – On the campus of Grand Canyon University, the HPU women's basketball team defeated the Lady Antelopes in overtime, 67-64. With the win, HPU assures itself a share of the PacWest title but more importantly a trip to the NCAA West Region Tournament.

Genesis Lewis recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds for HPU, Courtney Buster posted seven points and 12 rebounds, and Jazzmin Awa-Williams added 12 points and six rebounds.

"I'm really happy for the girls," said Jeff Harada, who is in his third season as head coach.

'All the blood, sweat and tears came to fruition tonight and I'm so proud of them. We've battled adversity all year and they earned the right to play in the NCAA Tournament." Katrina Graham recorded 16 points to lead the Lady 'Lopes. The Sea Warriors advance to the Regional Championships for the first time in the history of the program.

At 13-1 in the PacWest, they hold a two-game lead over Grand Canyon, and win the tiebreaker over GCU and second place Dixie State regardless of the outcome of its final two games. HPU held a 17-9 lead in the first half, but Grand Canyon rallied and closed the period on a 21-5 run to take a six-point lead into the break. Down eight points in the second half, HPU regained the lead with an 11-0 run capped by a Mana Hopkins three-pointer. Hopkins finished with eight points and four rebounds. HPU led by seven points with two minutes to play but could not hold off a Grand Canyon surge in the final moments. A layup by Stacey Haddow (4 pts, 5 reb) tied the game at 57-57, and Jazzmin Awa-Williams missed a jumper for HPU as time expired in regulation. In the overtime frame, Lewis and Mackenna Karasawa (7 pts, 4 ast) hit key three-pointers to lead HPU to the victory. Haddow had a pair of three-point attempts in the final seconds, but could not connect as HPU held on for the win.

"It's a great win for the program and the University," added Harada, "and hopefully this will make people take notice that HPU Women's basketball is for real." The Sea Warriors now set their sights on the PacWest title, next traveling to Dixie State College for its final conference road game of the season. HPU and Dixie State play Saturday, March 6, at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time.