CORVALLIS, Ore. — Gonzaga University (14-7, 6-2 WCC) fell to Oregon State University (15-6, 7-1 WCC) in a narrow 92-87 overtime defeat at Gill Coliseum. Despite forcing 13 steals and scoring 18 second-chance points, the Bulldogs were unable to overcome Oregon State's 13-point effort in the extra period.
Lauren Whittaker scored 37 points and recorded 14 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. In doing so, Whittaker broke the freshman record for most points in a single game, surpassing Heather Bowman's 32-point record. She also tied the record for most points in a single game with 37, matching Jill Barta's performance in 2017. Whittaker's outstanding rebounding performance also allowed her to break another freshman record by eclipsing Heather Bowman's previous record of 209 rebounds in a season.
Ines Bettencourt added eight points and collected five assists, contributing to the team's offensive efforts.
Zeryhia Aokuso posted 12 points and five assists, supporting the playmaking on the court.
Sierra Lichtie tallied eight points and secured six rebounds, showing a strong presence on the boards.
The game commenced with Whittaker's layup, assisted by
Taylor Smith, setting the pace for the Zags. Bettencourt converted a fast break into a 3-pointer at 8:12, tying the game at 5-5. Oregon State responded with a 3-pointer by Tiara Bolden, but GU kept close through consistent scoring in the paint.
GU briefly took the lead on a 3-pointer by
Teryn Gardner at 4:40, assisted by Bettencourt. However, Oregon State countered with a 3-pointer, and the teams exchanged leads as the quarter progressed. Despite Whittaker's late free throws and
Jaiden Haile's layup at 0:06, GU ended the first quarter trailing 23-20.
Gonzaga shifted momentum in the second quarter with a crucial 3-pointer by
Allie Turner at 4:20, narrowing the gap to two points. The team continued to press, with Gardner tying the game at 38-38 with a 3-pointer at 0:50. Bettencourt's defensive efforts, including a steal in the final seconds, helped the Zags draw even. The quarter concluded with a tie, 40-40, setting the stage for a closely contested second half.
The Bulldogs began the third quarter by narrowing the gap, with
Taylor Smith contributing consecutive jumpers to tighten the score to 48–46. GU showcased resilience with Bettencourt hitting a crucial 3-pointer at 3:49, trimming Oregon State's lead to five. Whittaker further fueled the comeback effort by sinking a 3-pointer in the final moments, closing the quarter at 61–56 in favor of Oregon State.
Gonzaga mounted a late surge, closing the gap with Oregon State through a strong offensive effort led by Whittaker. She scored a critical layup with 9 seconds remaining, narrowing the margin to two points.
Paige Lofing then tied the game at 79 with a pivotal 3-pointer at the 3-second mark to send the game to overtime.
GU faced a challenging overtime quarter, initially keeping pace through a series of free throws, including Aokuso's successful attempts that tied the score at 80 with 4:30 remaining. Whittaker contributed crucial points from the line, narrowing the deficit to one with 16 seconds left. The game concluded with Oregon State securing a 92-87 victory.
In their next game, the Bulldogs will face the University of San Francisco on Thursday. The matchup will take place in San Francisco, California, with tipoff set for 6 p.m.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Lauren Whittaker
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- 37 points
- 12/14 free throws made
- 14 rebounds
Ines Bettencourt
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- 8 points
- 5 assists
- 3 steals
Zeryhia Aokuso
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- 12 points
- 5 assists
Jaiden Haile
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- 4 points
- 6 rebounds
- 2 steals
