Cougars Push Gonzaga to the Brink in Gritty 81-75 Battle
In a game that had all the energy of a postseason showdown, Washington State women’s basketball gave Gonzaga everything it could handle Saturday night in Pullman. The Cougars went toe-to-toe with the nationally ranked Zags for all four quarters, ultimately falling 81-75 in a game that showcased resilience, execution, and a season-best shooting night.
Don’t let the Cougars’ 4-20 record fool you - this was a team playing with purpose, poise, and a whole lot of heart. Washington State shot a blistering 53.6% from the field, their highest mark of the season, and matched Gonzaga punch-for-punch deep into the fourth quarter. Every time the Zags looked ready to pull away, the Cougars responded with a run of their own.
Villa Leads the Charge
Eleonora Villa was in full control from the opening tip, delivering a masterclass in efficiency. The junior guard poured in 22 points on a red-hot 10-of-13 shooting night, adding three assists and three rebounds. Whether she was attacking the rim, pulling up from midrange, or facilitating in the half-court, Villa looked every bit the go-to scorer Washington State needed.
And with that performance, Villa continues to climb the program’s all-time ranks. She now sits 12th in career points at WSU with 1,354 - just 10 shy of cracking the top 11. She also moved into the top 10 in career made threes (136) and is just three field goals away from entering the top 10 in career makes.
Balanced Attack Behind Villa
Charlotte Abraham stepped up in a big way, finishing with 16 points, four rebounds, and two steals. She hit a pair of critical threes in the fourth quarter, including one with just over three minutes to play that cut Gonzaga’s lead to three. Abraham's growth this season has been steady, and her 423 career points now put her within reach of the 500-point milestone.
Mackenzie Chatfield added 10 points and six assists, playing with great tempo and control as the Cougars' floor general. Her ability to get into the paint and create for others was a key part of Washington State’s offensive rhythm, especially during their fourth-quarter surge.
Tanja Valancic quietly had one of her most complete games of the season, tying her career-high with five assists and pulling down a team-best six rebounds. She also chipped in six points and two steals, including a key takeaway early in the fourth that led to a fast-break three from Marta Alsina - a sequence that gave WSU a 61-56 lead and had Beasley Coliseum buzzing.
Malia Ruud added eight points, five assists, and four boards, continuing to be a steady presence in the frontcourt. Her passing out of the high post helped unlock the Cougar offense, especially during stretches when Gonzaga tried to pressure the perimeter.
Trading Leads in a Wild Fourth Quarter
After trailing by two at the end of the third, Washington State came out firing in the fourth. Chatfield tied the game at 54 with a strong finish inside, and Villa followed with a smooth pull-up to give the Cougars their first lead of the second half. A Valancic steal and Alsina triple extended the advantage to five, and just like that, the Cougars had momentum on their side.
But Gonzaga, as they’ve done all season, responded. The Zags hit timely shots down the stretch and made just enough plays to keep the Cougars at bay.
Still, WSU refused to go quietly. Abraham’s three with 3:16 left made it a one-possession game, and Villa scored twice in the final minute - including a layup at the buzzer - to cap off a gritty final push.
More Than Just a Moral Victory
There are no moral victories in the standings, but this was the kind of performance that can galvanize a team. The Cougars played connected basketball, shared the ball (five players with at least three assists), and showed they can hang with one of the best teams in the region.
And while the loss stings, the growth is undeniable. Villa continues to cement her legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Abraham is emerging as a reliable second scorer. Chatfield looks increasingly comfortable running the offense.
And the supporting cast is finding its rhythm.
What’s Next
Washington State now heads to Southern California for a two-game road swing. First up is San Diego on Thursday, followed by a Saturday matchup at Pepperdine. Both games will stream live on ESPN+, and if the Cougars bring the same energy and execution they showed against Gonzaga, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.
This group may not have the record they want, but performances like Saturday night’s show they’re building something - one possession, one game, one fight at a time.