SPOKANE, Wash. — The Gonzaga University women's basketball team (5-4) edged past the Grand Canyon University women's basketball team (1-7), 62-58, at the McCarthey Athletic Center, with a decisive 17-point fourth quarter. The game saw 13 ties, with the Bulldogs capitalizing on 22 Grand Canyon turnovers to score 25 points.

Gonzaga took an early lead with a jumper from Lauren Whittaker at 8:47, assisted by Taylor Smith. This performance marked Whittaker's fifth game this year with 20 points or more. Grand Canyon responded with a layup by Chloe Mann to tie the score at 2-2. GU's McKynnlie Dalan made two free throws at the 2:08 mark, giving the Zags a brief 10-8 advantage. Chloe Mann hit a 3-pointer for Grand Canyon at 1:58, but Allie Turner answered with her own 3-pointer to reclaim the lead for the Bulldogs at 13-11 with 1:41 remaining. Whittaker closed the first quarter with a layup and a free throw, securing a 16-11 lead for the Zags.

Grand Canyon's Anisa Jeffries opened the second quarter with a 3-pointer to bring the score to 14-16. GU's Lauren Whittaker contributed significantly with two consecutive layups, bringing the score to 22-20 in favor of the Bulldogs with 5:08 remaining. In the final seconds, Whittaker secured an offensive rebound and completed a three-point play, tying the game at 27-27. 

The third quarter saw a tightly contested battle as Gonzaga and Grand Canyon each scored 18 points, keeping the game level. Whittaker initiated the scoring for GU with a layup at 9:22, assisted by Zeryhia Aokuso. This game also marked Whittaker's third double double of the year. Grand Canyon's Chloe Mann responded with two quick free throws, tying the score at 29. Karley Johnson's layup gave Grand Canyon a brief lead. However, GU's Ines Bettencourt tipped in an offensive rebound at 6:45, narrowing the deficit. Whittaker's layup and subsequent free throw at 1:32 brought the Bulldogs within one point, 44-43. With just 12 seconds left, Jaiden Haile scored a layup, assisted by Turner, to even the score at 45, setting the stage for a dramatic final quarter.

The Bulldogs maintained control in the fourth quarter to secure a 62-58 victory over Grand Canyon. Haile scored early in the quarter, aided by an assist from Turner, to give GU a two-point lead. Aokuso and Turner continued to build the Zags' momentum with key layups, while Whittaker contributed with a crucial block and defensive rebound in the final minute. Taylor Smith blocked GCU's attempt to tie the game and Bettencourt sealed the win by hitting two free throws with two seconds remaining.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will host UC Davis at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington, on Saturday, Dec. 6. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. PT.

Gonzaga Top Performers  
Lauren Whittaker  
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- 24 points  
- 8/9 free throws made  
- 13 rebounds  
- 2 blocks  

Allie Turner  
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- 12 points  
- 4 assists  

Ines Bettencourt  
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- 6 points  
- 3 steals  
- 4 rebounds  

Taylor Smith  
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- 2 blocks  
- 2 rebounds