Gonzaga University
1-0,0-0Pac-12
North Dakota State
0-1,0-0Summit League
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota St. | 13 | 16 | 12 | 15 | 56 |
| Gonzaga | 8 | 14 | 12 | 28 | 62 |
11/2/2026 8:06:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Whittaker recorded a double double
SPOKANE, Wash. – Lauren Whittaker recorded a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead Gonzaga women's basketball to a 62-56 season-opening victory over North Dakota State Monday night at the McCarthey Athletic Center.
The Bulldogs (1-0) put together a strong fourth-quarter performance, outscoring the Bison 28-15 in the final 10 minutes to secure the win in front of 4,464 fans.
Whittaker was a force on both ends of the floor, shooting 10-of-18 from the field while adding four steals and two assists. The junior recorded a double-double with an efficient performance inside, helping Gonzaga finish with 38 points in the paint.
The Zags faced an early challenge from North Dakota State (0-1), which built an 11-point lead in the second quarter. The Bulldogs continued to battle, with Whittaker providing an offensive spark as Gonzaga worked to close the gap. The Bison held a 29-22 advantage at halftime.
The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter, with Gonzaga continuing to chip away at the deficit. The Bulldogs entered the final period trailing 41-34 before finding their rhythm offensively.
Gonzaga's momentum took hold in the fourth quarter. Teryn Gardner knocked down a pair of clutch three-pointers, including a fast-break triple off an Allie Turner steal to give the Bulldogs a 48-47 lead with 5:15 remaining. Gardner finished with nine points, connecting on three three-pointers.
Whittaker continued to deliver in the closing minutes, scoring inside to help Gonzaga build separation. Her second-chance layup with 2:46 remaining extended the Bulldogs' advantage to 54-49. Gonzaga maintained control down the stretch, converting key opportunities at the free-throw line to close out the six-point victory.
Taylor Smith added 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting while dishing out four assists. Turner contributed eight points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal. Gardner finished with nine points, four assists and a steal.
The Bulldogs showcased their unselfish play throughout the night, recording 21 assists on 25 made field goals. Gonzaga also forced 17 turnovers and turned those opportunities into 13 points while finishing with eight steals.
Gonzaga shot 41 percent from the field and finished with a 36-34 advantage on the glass. The Bulldogs also held a 9-2 edge in fast-break points. The Zags return to the McCarthey Athletic Center Friday, Nov. 6, hosting Idaho at 6 p.m. in Spokane.
