Gonzaga Falls Short Against South Dakota State, 72-63

Thursday, November 20

Sioux Falls, SD

5 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. CT

Gonzaga University

2-3,0-0WCC

South Dakota State

5-0,0-0Summit League

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Gonzaga	17	14	19	13	63
South Dakota St.	17	27	17	11	72

Gonzaga Falls Short Against South Dakota State, 72-63

11/20/2025 7:24:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Whittaker posted a double double

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Gonzaga (2-3) fell to South Dakota State (5-0), 72-63, at the Sanford Pentagon, despite holding a 43-23 rebounding advantage.

Allie Turner led the scoring with 19 points, making three 3-pointers and adding a block. Lauren Whittaker posted her first career double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, and also recorded two steals. Jaiden Haile contributed with eight points and collected eight rebounds, including seven on the offensive end. Julia Wilson added four assists, scored 4 points, and registered both a block and a steal.

The first quarter commenced with the Zags establishing an early presence as Turner drained a 3-pointer just 11 seconds into the game, assisted by Ines Bettencourt. GU maintained offensive pressure with contributions from Turner, who added a layup, and Taylor Smith, who scored inside. Despite turnovers, the Bulldogs' defense held strong, with Turner also contributing a block.

South Dakota State kept pace with their perimeter shooting, resulting in three ties and three lead changes. In the final seconds, Zeryhia Aokuso's jumper leveled the score at 17–17, ending the quarter in a tie.

GU gained momentum midway through the third quarter with a series of defensive stops and efficient free-throw shooting. Smith's defensive rebound at 8:47 helped spark a renewed effort, while Aokuso's contributions off the bench included six points, aiding the Bulldogs' push. The Jackrabbits attempted to counter with perimeter shooting, but GU's defense and aggressive play in the paint maintained their edge. The quarter concluded with GU outscoring South Dakota State 19–17, narrowing the gap to 61–50.

The Bulldogs made a late push in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Turner's three-pointer at the 1:00 mark, narrowing the deficit to nine points. Wilson contributed with a timely assist to Whittaker, who added a jumper at 1:24, maintaining the team's momentum.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will host Eastern Washington on Sunday, Nov. 23 at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington. The matchup is set for 2 p.m.

Gonzaga Top Performers
Allie Turner
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- 19 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 1 block

Lauren Whittaker
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- 15 points
- 13 rebounds
- 2 steals

Jaiden Haile
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- 8 points
- 8 rebounds
- 2 assists