The Gonzaga Bulldogs, holding the No. 2 seed, put on an offensive clinic against the No. 3-seeded Santa Clara Broncos in their West Coast Conference semifinal showdown. With a decisive 88-60 victory, Gonzaga showcased their prowess, led by junior Zeryhia Aukuso's impressive performance. Aukuso, who notched 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting and nailed both her three-point attempts, also contributed four assists and three rebounds, despite a few turnovers.
The energy at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas was electric, with Aukuso's family in full support, adding to the atmosphere. Her backcourt partner, sophomore Allie Turner, was equally impactful, draining four of five from beyond the arc and matching Aukuso's assist and turnover tally. Turner, a consistent All-West Coast Conference First Team selection, is finding her rhythm just when it matters most.
Meanwhile, redshirt freshman forward Lauren Whittaker continued her record-breaking season. With 16 points and nine rebounds, Whittaker surpassed the single-season rebounding record at Gonzaga, previously held by Yvonne Ejim. However, ball security remains a concern for the Zags, as they committed 20 turnovers, leading to 25 points for Santa Clara.
In the other semifinal clash, the No. 4-seeded Oregon State Beavers pulled off an upset against the top-seeded Loyola Marymount Lions, winning 73-67. Coach Scott Rueck's squad, known for their depth, is proving to be a formidable tournament team.
Gonzaga will need to leverage their size advantage, with Whittaker and Jaiden Haile (who added 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench) playing crucial roles. The Bulldogs previously dominated Oregon State in their last encounter, a 67-37 victory, and they'll look to replicate that success in their upcoming matchup.
The two teams, having split their regular-season meetings, will face off again with high stakes on the line. Gonzaga's Coach Lisa Fortier is aiming for her first conference tournament title since 2022 and a coveted spot in March Madness, which they haven't seen since 2024.
Fortier emphasized the importance of focus, stating, “We set goals, but staying focused on the task at hand is key. Playing our best basketball is what truly matters.”
The stage is set for an exciting showdown, with Gonzaga ready to leave it all on the court in pursuit of glory.