SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga University (6-5) fell to Arizona State University (13-0), 68-66, in a closely contested match, despite a strong fourth-quarter effort that saw them outscore the opposition 24-19. 

Lauren Whittaker scored 24 points while shooting 8-for-13 from the field and added nine rebounds. Allie Turner contributed 12 points and recorded two assists. Taylor Smith posted eight points and led the team with five assists. McKynnlie Dalan collected six rebounds and tallied two steals.

Gonzaga opened the first quarter with a layup from Lauren Whittaker, assisted by Taylor Smith, setting the pace early. Smith contributed significantly for the Zags, scoring six points in the paint, while Arizona State's Heloisa Carrera completed a three-point play to extend their lead to 10-6. In the final minute, Whittaker made a crucial three-pointer, narrowing the gap, but Arizona State held a slim 17-16 lead at the end of the quarter.

Arizona State gained momentum in the second quarter with a series of scoring plays. Whittaker responded for Gonzaga with a layup and subsequent free throw at 7:41 to tie the score at 21. A late three-pointer by Jyah Lovett with eight seconds remaining extended Arizona State's lead, closing the quarter with a 19-13 advantage over GU.

In a tightly contested third quarter, Arizona State maintained a slim lead over the Bulldogs, with both teams scoring 13 points. Elliott's layup and subsequent free throws contributed to Arizona State's early advantage, while Allie Turner responded with a layup and a three-pointer for GU. Whittaker was instrumental for the Bulldogs, securing multiple defensive rebounds and converting several fast-break layups. As the quarter ended, Arizona State held a 49-42 lead.

The Bulldogs started the fourth quarter with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Zeryhia Aokuso's three-pointer at 9:41 assisted by Ines Bettencourt. Despite Arizona State's attempts to maintain their lead, Gonzaga stayed competitive with successive three-pointers by Whittaker and Teryn Gardner, closing the gap significantly. In the closing minutes, GU managed to keep the game within reach with a defensive rebound and another three-pointer by Whittaker at 0:08, followed by two free throws from Turner.

In their next game, the Zags will face Missouri State on Friday, Dec. 19. The Bulldogs will travel to Springfield, Missouri, for this matchup.

Gonzaga Top Performers
Lauren Whittaker  
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- 24 points  
- 3 3-pointers  
- 9 rebounds  
- 2 steals  

Allie Turner  
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- 12 points  
- 4/4 free throws made  
- 2 assists  

Taylor Smith  
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- 8 points  
- 5 assists  
- 2 rebounds  

McKynnlie Dalan  
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- 6 rebounds  
- 2 steals