RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Gonzaga University (8-5, 0-0 WCC) defeated the UC Riverside (2-9, 1-1 Big West), 68-62, with a strong finish, outscoring the Highlanders 21-14 in the final quarter. The Bulldogs capitalized on defensive efforts with 10 steals contributing to 17 points off turnovers.

Allie Turner scored 18 points, including three 3-pointers, and added three rebounds. Lauren Whittaker contributed 16 points and led the team with 13 rebounds, also recording three steals. This performance marked Whittaker's fifth double-double, setting a freshman record at Gonzaga. Ines Bettencourt added four points and tallied three steals while grabbing seven rebounds. Taylor Smith posted eight points and led the team with seven assists.

GU opened the game with strong offensive efficiency, highlighted by Turner's two early 3-pointers, including a fast-break three at 8:33, propelling the Zags to a brief lead. Zeryhia Aokuso added a 3-pointer at 5:51, maintaining momentum for GU. Despite turnovers, the Bulldogs' defense recorded four steals and translated them into points, with Julia Wilson and Whittaker each contributing crucial layups. The first quarter concluded with GU holding a narrow lead over UC Riverside, 20–19.

GU shifted momentum early in the third quarter with a series of effective plays in the paint. Smith's layup at 8:35, assisted by Aokuso, was part of a sequence that tied the score at 36-36. Whittaker's defensive rebound and subsequent layup at 5:24 further pushed the Bulldogs ahead, contributing to their 19 points in the quarter.

The Bulldogs turned the tide in the fourth quarter with a decisive free-throw sequence from Turner and McKynnlie Dalan at 4:35, erasing UC Riverside's narrow lead and putting GU ahead 57-56. This momentum was sustained as Aokuso converted an offensive rebound into a layup, extending the lead to 59-56. Whittaker capped the run with a layup at 3:26, building GU's advantage to 61-56.

Turner sealed the game by sinking two free throws with 19 seconds remaining. GU's strong defensive rebounding and timely steals were pivotal as they secured a 68-62 victory, concluding the game.

Looking ahead, GU will host LMU on Sunday, Dec. 28, to open WCC play at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington.

Gonzaga Top Performers  
Allie Turner  
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- 18 points  
- 3 3-pointers  
- 5/6 free throws made  

Lauren Whittaker  
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- 16 points  
- 13 rebounds  
- 3 steals  
- Set a freshman record with her fifth double-double

Taylor Smith  
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- 8 points  
- 7 assists  
- 1 block  

Ines Bettencourt  
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- 4 points  
- 3 steals  
- 7 rebounds