Gonzaga Shines in Victory Over Pepperdine
Gonzaga University showcased a strong performance against Pepperdine University, winning 75-52. The Bulldogs dominated the boards, grabbing 43 rebounds compared to Pepperdine’s 27. They also scored 17 second-chance points, taking full advantage of their offensive rebounds.
Jaiden Haile led the team with 21 points and 12 rebounds, marking her first double-double. Lauren Whittaker was equally impressive, scoring 22 points and hitting all nine of her free throws. Allie Turner contributed 17 points, including five from beyond the arc, and Taylor Smith added 8 points along with several assists and steals.
The game got off to a strong start for Gonzaga, with Whittaker scoring just 19 seconds in. Turner’s three-pointer helped the Bulldogs maintain their lead, ending the first quarter 14-11. In the second quarter, efficient ball movement led to a 19-11 scoring advantage, with the Bulldogs heading into halftime with a solid 33-22 lead.
Gonzaga’s momentum continued into the third quarter. Turner snapped off a three-pointer early on, and Haile added layups to keep the scoreboard ticking. They outscored Pepperdine 22-13 in this period, ending with a 55-35 lead.
In the final quarter, Gonzaga remained in control, scoring 20 points to Pepperdine’s 17. Whittaker’s three-pointer early on further extended their lead, while Smith and Haile maintained consistent scoring.
This matchup is notable as it marks the first time in Gonzaga’s history that two freshmen have each scored at least 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a single season. This puts their future in an exciting place.
Looking ahead, Gonzaga will face Seattle on January 2, 2026. This game will be another chance for the team to build on their recent success.
Top Performers:
- Allie Turner: 17 points, 5 three-pointers, 4 assists
- Taylor Smith: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
- Jaiden Haile: 21 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists
- Lauren Whittaker: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 9 free throws made
This victory adds to Gonzaga’s impressive record this season, and further establishes their reputation as a competitive force in college basketball.
