LOS ANGELES — Gonzaga University (19-8, 11-3 WCC) fell to Loyola Marymount University (17-8, 11-3 WCC), 72-63, in a tense league matchup.

Allie Turner led the scoring with 19 points, making 6 of 12 from the field and draining 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Taylor Smith added 12 points and recorded four assists, contributing six rebounds to her performance. Ines Bettencourt collected six rebounds and posted two blocks while adding two assists. 

The Zags started the first quarter by quickly establishing a presence on defense, blocking three shots within the first nine minutes. Smith contributed significantly with a layup and an assist, allowing GU to tie the game multiple times. Despite their efforts, the Bulldogs trailed by three points, ending the quarter with a score of 19–16 in favor of LMU.

GU seized momentum with a 9–0 run midway through the second quarter, highlighted by Turner's back-to-back 3-pointers at 6:31 and 5:40. Gonzaga maintained their lead with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 8 points inside, and benefited from 6 assists throughout the quarter. The Bulldogs closed the quarter ahead 34–33, setting up a closely contested finish.

The Zags maintained a competitive edge in the third quarter, marked by crucial scoring bursts. Teryn Gardner's 3-pointer at 5:13, assisted by Smith, briefly gave Gonzaga the lead at 41-40. Later, Zeryhia Aokuso's fastbreak layup at 2:41 helped Gonzaga pull ahead 45-42. However, LMU responded promptly, and a late 3-pointer tied the score at 47. Turner then delivered a clutch 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining, leveling the game at 50. The quarter ended with the teams tied at 50.

In the fourth quarter, GU managed a key moment when Bettencourt's jumper at 9:29 tied the game at 52-52. Turner added four points, including a pair of free throws with 1:25 remaining, but Gonzaga couldn't quite close the gap.

Up next for the Bulldogs is a home matchup against Washington State on Thursday, Feb. 19. The game will take place at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington.

Gonzaga Top Performers
Allie Turner  
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- 19 points  
- 5 3-pointers  
- 4 rebounds  

Taylor Smith  
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- 12 points  
- 5/6 field goals  
- 6 rebounds  
- 4 assists  

Lauren Whittaker  
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- 10 points  
- 8 rebounds  

Ines Bettencourt  
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- 2 points  
- 2 blocks  
- 6 rebounds