LAS VEGAS (AP) — Lauren Whittaker scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Gonzaga to a 76-66 win over Oregon State in the West Coast Conference Tournament championship game on Tuesday.
The second-seeded Bulldogs (24-9) will make their 16th trip to the NCAA Tournament and first since 2024 after winning their 11th WCC Tournament.
Whittaker, a freshman and conference player of the year, was 9-of-20 shooting with three 3-pointers. Allie Turner scored all 14 of her points in the second half and Ines Bettencourt added 12.
There were 15 lead changes and 10 ties, the final deadlock coming with six minutes remaining before Whittaker completed a three-point play. Her basket with two minutes to go made it a four-point edge. From there, the Bulldogs wrapped up the win, making 9 of 10 free throws while the Beavers were just 1 of 4 at the line and 1 of 7 from the floor.
Turner hit two 3-pointers and scored 10 points in the third quarter. Whittaker added nine and the Bulldogs took a 53-49 lead into the final period.
The Zags will find out their seeding this Sunday at the NCAA Selection Show.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Lauren Whittaker
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- 26 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 9 rebounds
- 2 steals
Allie Turner
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- 14 points
- 4/4 free throws made
- 5 assists
- 1 block
Ines Bettencourt
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- 12 points
- 3 steals
- 3 rebounds
Jaiden Haile
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- 7 points
- 5 rebounds
