SAN FRANCISCO — Gonzaga University (15-7, 7-2 WCC) defeated the University of San Francisco (13-8, 6-4 WCC), 74-66, in overtime, securing the win with a 12-4 run in the extra quarter. The Bulldogs capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 23 points off offensive rebounds.

Lauren Whittaker led the Zags with 17 points, converting seven field goals and collecting nine rebounds. Jaiden Haile was dominant on the boards, finishing with 13 rebounds, including nine on the offensive end. Allie Turner contributed 13 points, hitting two 3-pointers and recording four rebounds. Ines Bettencourt added seven points and recorded two blocks while distributing three assists.

Gonzaga opened the game with a strong performance, quickly establishing control. They capitalized on early opportunities, with Whittaker's layup at 9:14 setting the tone. Turner contributed a key three-pointer at 7:28, assisted by Bettencourt, maintaining the team's momentum. GU's defense was effective, limiting San Francisco's scoring chances and controlling the boards with a 15–8 rebounding advantage. The quarter concluded with the Bulldogs leading 20–13.

The Bulldogs began the second quarter with a quick transition, as Paige Lofing connected on a 3-pointer assisted by Bettencourt at 9:34, extending their lead to 23–13. Zeryhia Aokuso added to the momentum with a layup at 6:39, maintaining a double-digit advantage. However, San Francisco closed the gap with a series of successful free throws and a key 3-pointer by Mara Neira at 3:01. The quarter ended with GU leading 26–24.

The Zags took control in the third quarter with a significant 10-point run early on, highlighted by Whittaker's two consecutive tip-ins, which expanded their lead to 34-24 by 7:09. Despite San Francisco's efforts to close the gap, the Bulldogs maintained their advantage with strong free-throw shooting, particularly from Aokuso, who went perfect from the line at 5:06. The quarter concluded with Turner's layup at the buzzer, securing a 45-40 advantage for Gonzaga heading into the final quarter.

The Bulldogs experienced a tense final quarter, marked by a key moment when Teryn Gardner hit back-to-back three-pointers, extending their lead to 51–44 with 7:58 remaining. San Francisco responded with a run, closing the gap and tying the game at 59–59 with 2:00 left on the clock. Despite pressure from San Francisco, GU managed to equalize when Whittaker made a crucial layup with 4 seconds remaining, tying the score at 62–62. Regulation ended in a 62–62 draw as San Francisco's last-second jumper was blocked by Bettencourt.

The Bulldogs took control in overtime with a crucial sequence beginning at 4:41, when Sierra Lichtie sank two free throws to give them a lead. Whittaker capitalized on a turnover with a steal, followed by two successful free throws and a layup, assisted by Aokuso, extending Gonzaga's advantage to six points at 3:49. 

The Zags' defense held firm, blocking a layup attempt and limiting San Francisco to one field goal in the period. Bettencourt's assist to Aokuso for a jumper at 00:19 sealed the Bulldogs' lead. Gonzaga ended the game with Turner converting two free throws, finishing with a 74–66 victory.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will travel to face Washington State on Saturday, Jan. 31. The matchup is set to take place in Pullman, Washington, at 7 p.m.

Gonzaga Top Performers
Lauren Whittaker  
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- 17 points  
- 9 rebounds  
- 2 steals  

Allie Turner  
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- 13 points  
- 2 3-pointers  
- 4 rebounds  

Jaiden Haile  
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- 13 rebounds  
- 1 block  

Ines Bettencourt  
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- 7 points  
- 2 blocks  
- 3 assists