SEATTLE — Gonzaga (11-5, 3-0 WCC) defeated Seattle U (4-10, 0-3 WCC), 85-59, with a commanding 16-point advantage in second-chance points and 28 points from the bench.
This victory marked a significant milestone for head coach
Lisa Fortier, as it was her 300th career win, making her the fastest coach in GU history to reach this achievement.
Among active Division I women's basketball head coaches, Fortier and LSU's Kim Mulkey each captured their 300th career Division I win in their 379th career game. Connecticut's Geno Auriemma is the third-fastest active Division I head coach to reach 300 career Division I victories, collecting the milestone win in his 386th career game.
"The part that is meaningful is that we have people here that I coached as an assistant coach and coached as a head coach and we have a player on my staff that I coached, that is the part that makes it special," Fortier said. "I have been around for a long time, and I have been able to share the success with the great players that we have been able to coach. That is what matters. The players are the meaningful part of what we do. I am fortunate to be able to do it with them."
Allie Turner scored 16 points, converting four 3-pointers and dishing out eight assists. Turner was a pivotal force in facilitating the offense and maintaining momentum.
Taylor Smith was perfect from the field, finishing with 11 points, two blocks, and two steals while also collecting six rebounds. Notably,
Lauren Whittaker recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 7-for-12 from the floor.
Jaiden Haile added 10 points, making six of nine free throws and pulling down three rebounds.
The Bulldogs opened the game with a commanding offensive performance, establishing an early lead through efficient shooting and strong ball movement. Smith initiated the scoring with a jumper assisted by
Teryn Gardner at 9:42. Whittaker's layup at 9:01 added to the momentum. GU's defensive pressure was evident, with Smith contributing a block and a steal.
The team maintained their dominance as Turner hit a 3-pointer at 6:11, extending the lead. Gardner's back-to-back 3-pointers, the second at 3:07, further widened the gap. By the end of the quarter, the Bulldogs led 28–9, showcasing their strong start and efficient play on both ends of the court.
GU maintained a strong start in the second quarter, led by Turner's scoring efforts. At 7:06, Turner sank a crucial 3-pointer with an assist from Whittaker, pushing the Zags' lead to 35–16. The quarter concluded with GU ahead 39–29, continuing their lead into the next quarter.
The Bulldogs asserted control with a 27-point third quarter, highlighted by a 9–0 run midway through.
Taylor Smith contributed significantly with a jumper and a layup at 7:55 and 7:16, both assisted by Turner, pushing GU's lead. Whittaker added a defensive rebound and scored a layup with 2:14 left, extending the advantage.
GU's defense limited the Redhawks' opportunities, forcing five turnovers and blocking two shots.
Paige Lofing capped the quarter with a fastbreak 3-pointer in the final seconds. The quarter concluded with the Bulldogs leading 66–39.
The Bulldogs maintained control throughout the fourth quarter, led by key contributions from
Christabel Osarobo and Smith. Osarobo's fast-break layup, assisted by Smith, helped sustain the momentum early at 9:21. Whittaker added to the lead with a layup and free throw at 8:01, extending GU's advantage to 71–47. Gardner and Turner each hit 3-pointers, further bolstering the Bulldogs' offense.
Despite the Redhawks' efforts, including a layup by Tamia Stricklin and a 3-pointer from Ella Brubaker, GU's efficient shooting, including 6 of 10 from the field and perfect 2 of 2 from beyond the arc, ensured a strong finish.
The next challenge for the Bulldogs comes as they travel to face Santa Clara on Sunday, Jan. 4. Tipoff is set for Noon at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara, California.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Allie Turner
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- 16 points
- 4 3-pointers
- 8 assists
Taylor Smith
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- 11 points
- 5/5 field goals made
- 2 blocks
- 6 rebounds
Lauren Whittaker
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- 16 points
- 10 rebounds
Jaiden Haile
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- 10 points
- 6/9 free throws made
