SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga University (9-5, 1-0 WCC) edged Loyola Marymount University (6-6, 0-1 WCC), 87-80, at the McCarthey Athletic Center, using a 46-31 rebounding advantage to secure the victory. The game featured 11 ties and 12 lead changes in the double overtime thriller.
Allie Turner led the Bulldogs with 20 points, converting 7 of 13 field goal attempts and adding six assists.
Lauren Whittaker recorded a double-double, scoring 18 points and collecting 16 rebounds, including six on the offensive end.
Jaiden Haile contributed 12 points, making 6 of 10 shots from the field. Ines Bettencourt added seven points and recorded six rebounds, also posting two steals.
GU started the quarter with a quick lead, as Turner opened with a 3-pointer assisted by Bettencourt just 11 seconds into play.
Taylor Smith contributed significantly with a layup at the 9:00 mark and a key defensive block at 7:04. The Bulldogs maintained control with Haile's layup at 3:40, assisted by Smith, extending their edge. The quarter concluded with GU leading 15–11.
The Bulldogs briefly established momentum with an 8–0 run, highlighted by a jumper from Turner at 6:43, pushing their lead to 21–15. However, LMU responded with a series of free throws and a 3-pointer from Allison Clarke at 0:58, tying the game at 26.
GU seized momentum in the third quarter with a strong performance in the paint, highlighted by Whittaker's pivotal layup at 1:12 that tied the game 42–42. The Zags maintained their offensive pressure, culminating in a critical 3-pointer by
Teryn Gardner at 0:29, assisted by Whittaker, to take a 45–42 lead. Despite LMU's attempts to counter, GU's defense held firm, and the quarter concluded with GU ahead 45–42.
The fourth quarter saw GU battling back to tie the game in the final seconds. Turner initiated the scoring with a layup at 9:11, giving GU a brief lead. However, LMU responded with a series of baskets to gain a six-point advantage midway through the quarter.
Smith facilitated a crucial defensive rebound with 45 seconds remaining, leading to Whittaker's game-tying layup at 21 seconds. GU held LMU scoreless in the final seconds, ending the quarter tied at 63–63.
In the first overtime,
Zeryhia Aokuso delivered key points with a jumper and a layup, keeping GU close.The Zags then narrowed the gap with a 3-pointer from Bettencourt at 1:42, followed by Whittaker's fast-break layup off her own steal at 1:09, bringing the score to 73–72.
In the tense final minute of OT, Turner hit a crucial 3-pointer with 10 seconds remaining, tying the game at 75. GU's defensive rebound in the last second ensured LMU's final attempt was unsuccessful. The quarter concluded with neither team able to break the deadlock, ending in a 75–75 tie to head to double overtime.
GU capitalized on late free throws to extend their lead, with Gardner hitting two crucial shots to make it 77-75 with 2:47 remaining. Turner followed up with a jumper, and Haile added a layup, maintaining GU's edge. Despite LMU's Clarke closing the gap with a three-pointer, Haile's jumper restored GU's advantage to 83-80 at 0:33. Turner sealed the victory by converting two more free throws, finalizing the score at 87-80. The game ended with GU securing the win in the first double overtime game since 2019.
Looking ahead, GU will host Pepperdine on Tuesday, Dec. 30 atthe McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane at 6 p.m.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Allie Turner
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- 20 points
- 6 assists
- 4/4 free throws made
Lauren Whittaker
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- 18 points
- 16 rebounds
- 2 steals
Jaiden Haile
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- 12 points
- 6/10 field goals made
Ines Bettencourt
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- 7 points
- 6 rebounds
- 2 steals
