Pepperdine, Gonzaga Meet in Tight West Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Clash

SPOKANE, Wash. (Interstat) — Two teams riding opposite momentum swings will meet Tuesday when the Pepperdine Waves visit the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a West Coast Conference women’s basketball matchup at McCarthey Athletic Center.

Both teams enter with identical overall records in nonconference play, but recent results tell different stories. Pepperdine (9-4) looks to rebound from a narrow 66-63 loss at Washington State on Sunday. Gonzaga (9-5) arrives home after a taxing 87-80 double-overtime victory over Loyola Marymount the same day.

The Waves will lean on guard Elli Guiney, who is coming off a career-high 26-point performance in the loss to the Cougars. Over her last seven games, Guiney is averaging 16.7 points and has scored 15 or more points five times. She forms a potent backcourt duo with Meghan Fiso, who added 20 points and seven rebounds against Washington State.

The Bulldogs counter with their own standout guard in Allie Turner, who logged 45 minutes and posted 20 points with six assists in Sunday’s marathon win. Turner has been a model of consistency, scoring in double figures in six consecutive games and averaging 16.2 points over that stretch.

Pepperdine has shown resilience, winning five of its last seven, though its victories have largely come at home. Facing Gonzaga in Spokane presents a stiffer challenge. The Bulldogs have won three straight, including two road games, since a close 68-66 home loss to Arizona State on Dec. 16.

This game opens the WCC schedule for both schools. Historically, Gonzaga has dominated the conference, while Pepperdine seeks a statement win to launch its league campaign. The outcome may hinge on which team better manages fatigue from Sunday’s intense contests and which star guard — Guiney or Turner — can control the tempo.

Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. PST Tuesday.