SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga University (13-6, 5-1 WCC) defeated the University of San Francisco (10-7, 3-3 WCC), 82-69, with a strong fourth-quarter performance at McCarthey Athletic Center. The home team capitalized on 11 three-pointers and 19 assists to secure the win.
Allie Turner made 7 of 15 field goals, including five 3-pointers, and contributed five assists with 25 points.
Lauren Whittaker posted a double-double, scoring 26 points on 10 of 13 shooting and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Zeryhia Aokuso tallied nine points, converting 6 of 8 free throws, and added two assists.
Jaiden Haile scored eight points off 4 of 6 shooting and collected four rebounds.
The Bulldogs began the first quarter with a quick start, taking an early lead through Ines Bettencourt's layup. The team capitalized on three-point shooting, with Turner contributing two successful shots from beyond the arc, including one assisted by Bettencourt, to help maintain their advantage. Despite a strong challenge from the Dons, the Zags'
Julia Wilson hit a critical three-pointer with just three seconds left, assisted by Whittaker, to close the quarter ahead. The quarter ended with GU leading 20-19.
GU took control early in the second quarter, with Whittaker's layup assisted by Aokuso at 9:34, pushing the home team ahead. Turner extended the lead with a three-pointer at 8:52, assisted by Wilson. Despite the Dons' attempts to close the gap, the Bulldogs maintained momentum, highlighted by Whittaker's layup and subsequent free throw at 2:55. A late surge, capped by
Taylor Smith's layup with 47 seconds left, helped solidify their advantage. GU ended the quarter leading San Francisco 39–35.
The Bulldogs took control late in the third quarter with a decisive 3-pointer by Whittaker at the 41-second mark, breaking a tie to put them ahead. Turner provided a crucial assist on the play. Earlier in the quarter, GU had a brief lead, spurred by a layup from Haile at 5:25, assisted by Whittaker. Despite the Dons' efforts to keep pace, GU's crucial plays in the final minutes ensured they led 57-54 at the end of the quarter.
The Zags turned the tide in the fourth quarter with a decisive 7-0 run, highlighted by Turner's crucial free throws at 5:40, which broke a tie and gave GU a 61-60 lead. The momentum continued as Whittaker's layup at 3:41 extended the lead, and Aokuso's three-pointer at 3:00 further solidified their advantage. GU's defensive effort limited San Francisco's opportunities, with key defensive plays including Turner's block and steal. The quarter concluded with GU capitalizing on free throws, ending the game with a final score of 82-69 in favor of the Bulldogs.
In their next matchup, the Zags will host San Diego on Saturday, Jan. 17. The game will take place at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Allie Turner
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- 25 points
- 5 3-pointers
- 6/6 free throws made
- 5 assists
Lauren Whittaker
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- 26 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 11 rebounds
Zeryhia Aokuso
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- 9 points
- 6/8 free throws made
- 2 assists
Jaiden Haile
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- 8 points
- 4 rebounds
- 1 steal
