FORT MYERS, Fla. — Gonzaga University (4-4, 0-0 WCC) defeated Marquette University (4-3, 0-0 Big East), 65-61, on Sunday, overcoming a first-half deficit with a strong rebounding advantage, 47-27. The Bulldogs' 16 offensive rebounds contributed to 11 second-chance points, helping secure the victory.

The game began with Lauren Whittaker scoring a layup just 18 seconds into the quarter, assisted by Ines Bettencourt, putting GU on the board. Marquette responded with a scoring run, highlighted by Halle Vice's layup at 9:20 and a jumper from Lee Volker at 8:24, giving them an 8-2 lead. The Zags' Teryn Gardner drained a three-pointer at 1:49 to tie the game at 20. Olivia Porter closed the quarter with a layup at 0:37, securing Marquette's 26-22 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, GU's Allie Turner scored early in the quarter with a jumper, while Zeryhia Aokuso added a layup on a fast break to narrow the gap. The quarter ended with Marquette holding a 38-30 lead.

The Bulldogs gained momentum in the third quarter with Whittaker's consecutive 3-pointers at 9:36 and 8:32, assisted by Taylor Smith, reducing Marquette's lead. Turner tied the game at 38-38 with a layup at 7:29. Julia Wilson's tip-in at 5:57 put GU ahead, and a layup from Whittaker at 5:10 extended the lead to 43-39 following a successful free throw. Despite a late push by Marquette, the Zags maintained a narrow lead, closing the quarter at 46-43.

In a tightly contested fourth quarter, Teryn Gardner opened the scoring for the Bulldogs with a three-pointer at the 9:15 mark, bringing them closer to Marquette. Whittaker contributed significantly for GU, hitting two free throws at 6:31 to tie the game and later scoring a layup to take the lead at 5:26. Turner delivered crucial points with a 3-pointer at 3:50, followed by two free throws with just three seconds remaining, securing the Bulldogs' 65-61 victory over Marquette. Taylor Smith grabbed the final defensive rebound to seal the win.

In their next game, the Bulldogs will host Grand Canyon at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington, on Thursday, Dec. 4. The contest is set to tip off at 6 p.m.

Gonzaga Top Performers  
Lauren Whittaker  
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- 23 points  
- 3 3-pointers  
- 13 rebounds  

Allie Turner  
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- 17 points  
- 3 3-pointers  
- 4 assists  

Teryn Gardner  
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- 10 points  
- 2 steals  
- 5 rebounds  

Taylor Smith  
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- 4 points  
- 6 rebounds  
- 4 assists