LAS VEGAS — Gonzaga (23-9, 14-4 WCC) defeated Santa Clara (24-9, 13-5 WCC) with a decisive 88-60 victory at Orleans Arena in the semifinals of the WCC Tournament. The Bulldogs dominated the paint with 48 points.

Allie Turner led the team with 17 points, converting four 3-pointers and providing four assists. Jaiden Haile delivered a strong performance, scoring 12 points and collecting 11 rebounds. Lauren Whittaker added 16 points and secured nine rebounds, making six of eight free throws. Remarkably, Whittaker broke the Gonzaga single-season record for rebounds, surpassing Yvonne Ejim's previous record of 325 set in 2025. Whittaker now has 326 rebounds. Zeryhia Aokuso contributed 14 points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded four assists.

Gonzaga opened the first quarter with a strong presence in the paint, tallying 10 points under the basket. Whittaker initiated the scoring with a layup just 9 seconds into the game. Key defensive plays included two blocks by Taylor Smith, one leading to a fast-break opportunity that culminated in a layup by Ines Bettencourt at 3:33, giving GU a brief lead. Aokuso secured a crucial layup with just 4 seconds remaining, allowing the Zags to edge out a 17–15 lead at the end of the first quarter.

GU seized control in the second quarter with a decisive scoring run, opening with a layup from Smith assisted by Aokuso at 9:34. This sparked a series of successful plays, including a three-pointer by Turner and a layup by Whittaker. Aokuso also added a three-pointer at 7:11, further extending the margin. The Bulldogs displayed efficient shooting, converting 12 of 17 field goals and achieving eight assists, while restricting Santa Clara to three field goals in the quarter. The period ended with GU leading 46–26.

The Bulldogs managed to maintain their momentum in the third quarter, highlighted by a key 3-pointer from Teryn Gardner at 7:20, extending their lead. The team showcased strong perimeter shooting, successfully converting three of four from beyond the arc, which helped offset Santa Clara's efforts in the paint. 

Gonzaga solidified its lead with a strong fourth quarter, opening with a crucial 3-pointer by Turner at 9:19, extending the advantage to 69-46. The home team dominated in the paint, with Aokuso and Whittaker each contributing layups at 5:46 and 4:48, respectively. GU's balanced offense saw six different players score, while maintaining control on the boards with a 12-5 rebounding edge. The game concluded with the Bulldogs securing a 22-16 period advantage in the fourth and an 88-60 victory. Under coach Lisa Fortier, this performance marks the second most points scored by Gonzaga in a WCC tournament, only behind a 91-point effort in the quarterfinals of 2017.

The Zags will play Oregon State in the WCC Championship tomorrow, March 10, at 1 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

Gonzaga Top Performers  
Allie Turner  
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- 17 points  
- 4 3-pointers  
- 4 assists  

Jaiden Haile  
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- 12 points  
- 11 rebounds  
- 1 block  

Lauren Whittaker  
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- 16 points  
- 9 rebounds  
- 6/8 free throws made  

Zeryhia Aokuso  
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- 14 points  
- 2 3-pointers  
- 4 assists