Saturday was a big one in Spokane. In a game celebrating Courtney Valndersloot’s jersey retirement, special pink uniforms worn to commemorate survivors and battlers of breast cancer, the Gonzaga women also had a matchup against Portland Pilots to settle who sits at the top of the WCC standings.
Gonzaga took care of business, winning 63-53, but the Zags had to scrap much of the game, leaning on defensive pressure and turnovers to stave off Portland until the offensive sparks showed up.
Kaylynne Truong led the way, scoring 20 points and making 4 of 8 attempts outside to go with her 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
The game also saw Truong reach her 1000th point as a Zag
The Zags shook off their offensive difficulties early in the second half, shooting 64% from the field and making 5 of 7 from outside in the third quarter. Wing McKayla Williams alongside Truong were the sparkplugs to break away from the Pilots in the third quarter. Williams was 4-5 from the field including a three along with a couple of assists during the 10-minute span that saw them outscore Portland 27 to 15. Truong had 8 points and 4 assists of her own during the third