SPOKANE, Wash. — In their home opener, the Gonzaga Bulldogs fell short to Colorado State, 70-66, in a game that saw 10 lead changes.

Gonzaga opened the first quarter with efficient shooting, converting 10 of 17 field goals, and quickly established momentum. Taylor Smith's assist to Lauren Whittaker for a layup at 9:19 tied the score early at 2–2. The Bulldogs pulled ahead with a series of successful plays, including a three-pointer by Ines Bettencourt at 6:23, extending their lead to 12–6. Despite the Rams' attempts to stay close, including a three-pointer by McKenna Murphy at 3:41 to narrow the gap to 14–13, the Zags maintained control. Whittaker's layup at 1:41 and Zeryhia Aokuso's jumper at 1:06 helped GU finish the quarter strong, leading 23–16.

The Bulldogs responded to an early deficit with a key 3-pointer by Whittaker at 7:09, assisted by Allie Turner, to regain a narrow lead. Despite Colorado State's persistent scoring, including a go-ahead 3-pointer at 6:25, the Zags maintained their composure. Aokuso tied the game with a fastbreak layup at 1:39, following her own steal. In the closing moments, Whittaker's second 3-pointer at 0:21 gave GU a crucial edge, but Colorado State matched it with a 3-pointer of their own, ending the quarter in a 34-34 tie.

The Bulldogs seized control in the third quarter with a pivotal 7-0 run, highlighted by a layup from Aokuso at 4:50 to push their lead to two points. Consistent scoring in the paint, totaling 12 points, solidified their advantage. Whittaker contributed significantly with a key layup at 3:37, extending the lead further. Colorado State attempted a comeback but was held at bay with a late three-pointer from Teryn Gardner at the end of the quarter. GU outscored Colorado State 19-13, finishing the quarter with a 53-47 lead.

GU's fourth period featured a notable lead change as Julia Wilson sank a jumper at 9:18, assisted by Turner, giving the Bulldogs a brief edge. However, the Rams responded, regaining the lead via a combination of perimeter and paint scoring. Bettencourt briefly put the Bulldogs back ahead with a 3-pointer at 6:53, assisted by Aokuso. Whittaker kept GU in contention with key baskets, including a layup at 0:38, but free throws by Brooke Carlson extended Colorado State's advantage. Despite a last-second effort by Bettencourt, the Bulldogs fell short, with the game ending at 70-66 in favor of Colorado State.

In their next game, the Bulldogs will host Stanford on Sunday, Nov. 16 at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington. The game will tip at 2 p.m.

Gonzaga Top Performers  
Lauren Whittaker  
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- 29 points  
- 4 3-pointers  
- 7 rebounds  

Zeryhia Aokuso  
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- 13 points  
- 2 steals  
- 5 rebounds  

Ines Bettencourt  
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- 8 points  
- 3 assists  
- 3 rebounds