despite being halfway through the WCC slate, this marks the first match between these two squads
The second game this week for the Gonzaga Women tips off later today on ESPN+ as the Bulldogs host the Pacific Tigers that’s slated to tip-off at 2pm PST. If you’re looking for a review of the USD/Zags game, I’ll be reviewing that in combination with this game later this weekend so stay tuned.
The Tigers were predicted to finish 5th in the WCC Preseason Coaches Poll and the Stockton team currently sits in that exact position with an 11-11 (7-5) record on the campaign thus far. Pacific is currently on their roadtrip to the Eastside as they faced off against Wazzu two days ago where they fell 70-82.
Despite sitting in the middle of the conference, Coach Bradley Davis has a good team at his disposal that’s headed by three seniors: 5’9” guard Liz Smith, 5’9” guard Anaya James, and 6’1” center Elizabeth Elliot. These three players are all averaging just above 13 points per game and bring an immense amount of experience to this tough team as all played substantial minutes for last years squad.
If you recall in the two teams matchup last season around this time, the Bulldogs posted an absolutely historic victory at home by winning 104-39. Two weeks later, GU visited Pacific and won again, but in less convincing fashion as the game ended 91-78. In that second matchup, the three Tiger seniors mentioned above combined for 38 points so while the odds are in favor for a Bulldog win, nothing is guaranteed. In the USD postgame interview, both Coach Fortier and Yvonne Ejim highlighted the length and intensity of this Pacific squad and how their record belies the beast within those Tigers.
I’m expecting a tough game, particularly so with the uncertainty around senior Maud Huijbens who sounded like she was almost ready to play last game before experiencing a relapse in her concussion recovery. The good news though is that Esther Little should be back today after her absence against the Toreros related to a funeral.
Allie Turner will be looking to bounce back this afternoon after two less than ideal games in which she scored just 13 points, went 2-10 from beyond the arc, and looked surprisingly like a freshman. That last part is the important part we have to remember as the Missouri native has posted impressive numbers as a true freshman and taken on an immense amount of load for this squad.
Yvonne Ejim will look to continue her strong performance as in her last five games, she’s averaging 25 points on 61% shooting from two-point range, 9.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1 steal, and 1.4 blocks. In both games against Pacific last season, Ejim scored 28 and 21 points so despite Pacific’s length, I think there’s a strong chance the senior continues her stretch of dominance. She likely won’t eclipse the career points record today, which is a shame since the Zags play on the road next time out, but it’s not totally out of the question if she erupts for a career night.
Claire O’Connor looks to be stringing together some strong offensive performances as she’s scored a combined 32 points in her last two games. The sophomore has looked more comfortable and, as a result, aggressive with the ball on her hands. She’s still a little stiff in her movements, but she’s showed good strength and after getting downhill, Claire has punished her defenders more often than not.
Hit the thread below to share your thoughts on the match! Sorry for not getting a USD game review out prior to this match.