SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Gonzaga University Bulldogs (11-6, 3-1 WCC) fell to the Santa Clara University Broncos (13-4, 3-1 WCC), 77-73, in a tightly contested conference matchup at the Leavey Center.
Lauren Whittaker led the team with 21 points and collected 13 rebounds, including 11 on the defensive end.
Allie Turner contributed 13 points, connecting on three 3-pointers and adding five rebounds.
Zeryhia Aokuso finished with 15 points and recorded seven rebounds.
Jaiden Haile added two blocks and secured nine rebounds, with six coming from the offensive glass.
The game began with
Taylor Smith of Gonzaga converting two free throws. Whittaker's layup at 1:13 brought GU within two points. In the final seconds, Fox hit a three-pointer giving Santa Clara a 19-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Aokuso's defensive rebound set the tone early for Gonzaga in the second quarter. Ines Bettencourt contributed significantly, scoring a layup at 9:31 and assisting Whittaker's layup at 9:07. Maia Jones's three-pointer at 00:38 extended Santa Clara's lead, but Turner responded with a three-pointer at 00:10 to keep GU within reach.
Whittaker opened the third quarter with a layup, narrowing the score. Aokuso contributed significantly with multiple layups, while Smith also added a layup to maintain the visitor's momentum. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts, including a late three-pointer from
Teryn Gardner, Santa Clara held onto their advantage, closing the quarter with a 59-52 lead.
In a tense fourth quarter between Gonzaga and Santa Clara, Aokuso's layup at 9:39 initiated the Bulldogs' push as they trailed 59-54. Gardner narrowed the gap with a three-pointer at 6:31, bringing the score to 64-60. Whittaker made a layup at 3:40, assisted by Gardner, making it 68-69, before the game ended at 77-73.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will host Portland on Saturday at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington. The matchup is set to tip off at 2 p.m.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Lauren Whittaker
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- 21 points
- 7/10 free throws made
- 13 rebounds
Zeryhia Aokuso
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- 15 points
- 7 rebounds
Allie Turner
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- 13 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 5 rebounds
Jaiden Haile
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- 9 rebounds
- 2 blocks
