TOLEDO, Ohio — Gonzaga University (2-0) edged the University of Toledo (0-2), 72-69, with a strong 16-for-17 performance at the free-throw line.

Gonzaga opened the game with a layup from Ines Bettencourt, quickly taking a 2-1 lead. Toledo responded with a layup by Faith Fedd-Robinson, setting the stage for a back-and-forth first quarter. Lauren Whittaker of the Bulldogs contributed significantly with two layups, maintaining a narrow lead. As the quarter drew to a close, Teryn Gardner drained a crucial 3-pointer with just two seconds remaining, allowing the Zags to edge Toledo, 13-11, at the end of the first quarter.

Miriam Diala scored a fast-break layup early in the second quarter, putting Toledo ahead 15-13. Following a series of exchanges, Gardner's three-pointer at 4:39 gave Gonzaga a brief lead at 18-17. Allie Turner's three-pointer with 52 seconds left regained the lead for GU at 27-25, but Diala's layup with 11 seconds remaining tied the score at 27-27 as the quarter concluded.

The Bulldogs and Toledo battled through a tightly contested third quarter where the lead changed hands multiple times. Early on, Whittaker converted two free throws at 9:37 to give GU a slight edge, 29-27. Toledo responded with a scoring surge led by Kendall Carruthers, who hit a series of inside shots, including a layup at 8:43, to keep the score close. As the quarter progressed, Bettencourt's 3-pointer at 6:07 put the Bulldogs back in front, 34-33. Down the stretch, the Zags' defense stiffened, with Taylor Smith securing a critical steal at 1:23 and Whittaker adding crucial layups, the last at 00:33, to extend their lead. Despite a late basket by Carruthers as time expired, Gonzaga finished the quarter ahead, 48-45.

The fourth quarter was a tightly contested battle as both the Zags and Toledo exchanged narrow leads. Turner initiated Gonzaga's scoring with a layup at 9:32, setting the tone for a quarter where she contributed significantly, including a critical three-pointer at the 0:45 mark. Toledo responded with a series of 3-pointers, with Evalyse Cole and Carruthers each making key shots to keep the game close. Bettencourt's two free throws at 1:24 gave GU a slender lead, while Whittaker's late free throws helped secure the 72-69 victory. Smith's block on a final Toledo three-point attempt sealed the win for Gonzaga.

Gonzaga Top Performers  
Allie Turner  
----------------------  
- 16 points  
- 6/6 free throws made  
- 5 assists  

Lauren Whittaker  
----------------------  
- 16 points  
- 6/6 free throws made  
- 6 rebounds  

Teryn Gardner  
----------------------  
- 12 points  
- 4 3-pointers  

Julia Wilson  
----------------------  
- 5 points  
- 2 steals  

In their next game, the Zags will host Colorado State on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.