SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga University (6-4) defeated UC Davis (7-3), 83-72, at McCarthey Athletic Center, aided by a strong first half where they led 53-24 at halftime.
Inês Bettencourt scored 16 points, converting three of five shots from beyond the arc, and added three assists.
Allie Turner posted 13 points and dished out six assists while making three 3-pointers.
Lauren Whittaker led with 19 points, hitting 8 of 9 field goals, and recorded four steals.
Taylor Smith contributed six assists and added eight points, maintaining strong play on both ends.
GU opened the first quarter strongly with
Zeryhia Aokuso scoring a jumper just 16 seconds into play. Whittaker was instrumental during the quarter, contributing a three-pointer and a layup, both assisted by Turner, to help the Zags establish a lead. The team extended its advantage with Aokuso adding a three-pointer at 6:34 and McKynnlie Dalan converting a three-point play following an offensive rebound.
The Bulldogs' defense was effective, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting UC Davis to only nine points in the quarter. Bettencourt capped the quarter with a three-pointer in the final seconds, bringing the score to 28–9 in favor of GU.
GU seized control early in the second quarter with a quick 3-pointer from Bettencourt at 9:45, assisted by Smith, setting the tone for a dominant stretch. Aokuso contributed significantly, including a 3-pointer at 6:15, with Dalan providing the assist. The Bulldogs' defensive efforts forced five turnovers by UC Davis.
GU continued to extend their lead through efficient shooting, including a series of successful layups and a 3-pointer by
Teryn Gardner at 2:45, assisted by
Christabel Osarobo. The team maintained a strong presence in the paint, outscoring UC Davis 10–8 in that area. The period ended with GU ahead, closing with a layup by Turner at 0:21, leading to a 53–24 advantage. The Bulldogs finished the quarter with a 25-15 edge, and held a 53–24 lead at half.
GU seized momentum in the third quarter with a precise offensive effort, highlighted by Gardner's 3-pointer at 8:39 following an assist from Bettencourt. Whittaker contributed significantly with a layup at 8:02, assisted by Smith, and followed it with another layup in the paint with just 11 seconds left in the quarter. Despite UC Davis's strong challenge and effective scoring from the free-throw line, GU maintained their lead, ending the quarter with a 69–54 advantage.
The Zags maintained their lead in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Bettencourt's key contributions, including a 3-pointer at 2:16 that bolstered their position. Despite UC Davis's effort to close the gap with points in the paint, the Bulldogs' efficient free-throw shooting, capped by Bettencourt's late conversions, kept them ahead. The game concluded with GU securing an 83-72 victory.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are set to host Arizona State on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Inês Bettencourt
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- 16 points
- 3/5 3-pointers
- 3 assists
Allie Turner
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- 13 points
- 6 assists
- 3/8 3-pointers
Lauren Whittaker
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- 19 points
- 8/9 field goals
- 4 steals
Taylor Smith
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- 8 points
- 6 assists
- 3 rebounds
