SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga University (22-8, 14-3 WCC) defeated Saint Mary's (15-15, 6-11 WCC), 75-67, at McCarthey Athletic Center, with the Bulldogs' 11 steals contributing significantly to the victory.
Allie Turner scored a career-high 29 points, including tying the single game record with nine 3-pointers. She now shares this record with Michelle Elliott Clark, who made 9 in 2007.
Lauren Whittaker recorded her 16th double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while also adding two assists.
Taylor Smith contributed eight points and collected two steals.
Zeryhia Aokuso added four steals and four assists.
Gonzaga opened the game with a strong defensive effort, turning early turnovers into points. Smith's layup, assisted by
Jaiden Haile, helped close the gap after the Gaels had taken a lead.
Sierra Lichtie's layup at 1:49, assisted by Aokuso, tied the game at 12-12 with just under two minutes remaining. Whittaker's layup with 1:07 left on the clock gave the Zags a 14-12 lead, which it maintained until the end of the first quarter.
GU surged ahead with a decisive 12-0 run early in the second quarter, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Turner at 8:40, which extended its lead significantly. Turner, assisted by Ines Bettencourt, followed with another 3-pointer at 8:16, prompting a timeout by the Gaels. Smith's steal led to a fast-break layup by
Teryn Gardner at 0:13, reinforcing the Bulldogs' advantage. The quarter ended with GU leading 36-29.
In the third quarter, the Bulldogs held their ground with a crucial layup by Smith, assisted by Whittaker, giving them a narrow lead at 46-45 with 19 seconds remaining. Earlier in the quarter, Gonzaga maintained the edge with contributions such as a three-pointer from Turner, assisted by Gardner. The Bulldogs ended the quarter holding a slim lead of 46-45 over Saint Mary's.
The Zags opened the fourth quarter with a strong offensive push, as Whittaker's layup, assisted by Smith, set the tone. Turner then expanded the lead with a three-pointer, which was one of her three successful shots from beyond the arc in the quarter.
Bettencourt contributed crucial points with a jumper and two free throws, while Whittaker continued to dominate the paint with multiple layups. The Bulldogs' effective shooting and timely assists were pivotal, and they finished the quarter with a 29–22 advantage. The game concluded with Gonzaga securing a 75–67 victory.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will travel to Portland for a matchup on Saturday, Feb. 28, for the final regular season game of the year. The game will tip at 5 p.m. on ESPNU.
Gonzaga Top Performers
Allie Turner
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- 29 points
- 9 3-pointers
- 10 field goals made
Lauren Whittaker
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- 18 points
- 12 rebounds
- 6/9 free throws made
Taylor Smith
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- 8 points
- 2 steals
- 4 assists
Zeryhia Aokuso
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- 4 steals
- 4 assists
- 2/2 free throws made
