The Gonzaga women's basketball team, seeded No. 12, is set to face No. 5 Ole Miss on March 20 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Minneapolis. The Zags have a record of 24-9 this season, showcasing notable talent including freshman Lauren Whittaker, who has made an impressive impact by leading the team in points and rebounds. The Bulldogs have reached at least 20 wins for the tenth consecutive season, a testament to the coaching prowess of Lisa Fortier. Gonzaga aims to improve on their recent history against Ole Miss, having lost their last matchup in the NCAA tournament last year.

By the Numbers
  • Gonzaga ranks second nationally in three-point percentage at 39.0%.
  • Lauren Whittaker has scored 641 points this season, ranking second among freshmen nationally and sixth on Gonzaga's single-season scoring list.
State of Play
  • Gonzaga has a +11.0 rebound margin, placing them first in the WCC and sixth in the country.
  • Whittaker leads the team with 17 double-doubles this season, a Gonzaga freshman record.
What's Next

As the tournament progresses, should Gonzaga win against Ole Miss, they could potentially face higher-ranked competition in the upcoming rounds, aiming for a deeper tournament run than their previous years.

Bottom Line

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are positioned as a formidable underdog with strong performances from their freshmen and consistent coaching leading to a historic season, making them a team to watch in the NCAA Tournament.