
WBB Falls to Ole Miss in First Round in the NCAA Tournament
3/20/2026 3:27:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Turner led the Zags with 27 points
MINNEAPOLIS — Gonzaga (24-10, 14-4 WCC) fell to the University of Mississippi (24-11, 8-8 SEC), 81-66, in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, despite a strong rebounding effort with 45 total boards.
Allie Turner led GU with 27 points, converting 5 of 9 from beyond the arc and making all eight free throws. Jaiden Haile was efficient, scoring 11 points on perfect shooting from the field and collecting eight rebounds. Lauren Whittaker contributed significantly on the boards, securing 13 rebounds to support the team's efforts. Taylor Smith added a defensive presence with two blocks and four points.
GU mounted a strong rally in the fourth quarter, outscoring Ole Miss 29-13. A key stretch came when Teryn Gardner hit consecutive 3-pointers at the 3:50 and 3:15 marks, narrowing the gap significantly, as she scored nine points in the game. GU's defensive efforts resulted in 10 Ole Miss turnovers, allowing for efficient scoring opportunities. The Zags ended the game by going on a 22-2 run to cut the deficit. The appearance marked GU's 16th time at the NCAA Tournament.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Allie Turner
----------------------
- 27 points
- 5 3-pointers
- 8/8 free throws made
- 4 assists
Lauren Whittaker
----------------------
- 13 rebounds
- 8 points
- 5 offensive rebounds
Jaiden Haile
----------------------
- 11 points
- 8 rebounds
- 4/4 field goals made
Teryn Gardner
----------------------
- 9 points
- 3 steals
- 3 3-pointers
Taylor Smith
----------------------
- 2 blocks
- 4 points
- 2 assists
Allie Turner led GU with 27 points, converting 5 of 9 from beyond the arc and making all eight free throws. Jaiden Haile was efficient, scoring 11 points on perfect shooting from the field and collecting eight rebounds. Lauren Whittaker contributed significantly on the boards, securing 13 rebounds to support the team's efforts. Taylor Smith added a defensive presence with two blocks and four points.
GU mounted a strong rally in the fourth quarter, outscoring Ole Miss 29-13. A key stretch came when Teryn Gardner hit consecutive 3-pointers at the 3:50 and 3:15 marks, narrowing the gap significantly, as she scored nine points in the game. GU's defensive efforts resulted in 10 Ole Miss turnovers, allowing for efficient scoring opportunities. The Zags ended the game by going on a 22-2 run to cut the deficit. The appearance marked GU's 16th time at the NCAA Tournament.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Allie Turner
----------------------
- 27 points
- 5 3-pointers
- 8/8 free throws made
- 4 assists
Lauren Whittaker
----------------------
- 13 rebounds
- 8 points
- 5 offensive rebounds
Jaiden Haile
----------------------
- 11 points
- 8 rebounds
- 4/4 field goals made
Teryn Gardner
----------------------
- 9 points
- 3 steals
- 3 3-pointers
Taylor Smith
----------------------
- 2 blocks
- 4 points
- 2 assists
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Gonz
UM
FG%
.365
.420
3FG%
.450
.389
FT%
.688
.800
RB
45
42
TO
21
13
STL
4
14
Game Leaders
Thursday, March 28
Monday, March 25
Sunday, March 24
Saturday, March 23




