SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — A surging Lauren Whittaker and the Gonzaga Bulldogs visit JQH Arena on Friday night for a nonconference women’s basketball clash with the Missouri State Lady Bears. The game pits teams with similar early-season records, as Gonzaga (6-5) looks to rebound from a narrow home loss and Missouri State (7-4) aims to halt a two-game skid. Tipoff is set for Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Whittaker, Gonzaga’s standout guard, enters on a torrid scoring streak. She is averaging 22.1 points per game over her last seven contests, including a 24-point performance in Tuesday’s 68-66 heartbreaker against Arizona State. Her versatility was on full display in a 23-point, 13-rebound effort in a win over Marquette on Nov. 30. Containing her will be a primary focus for the Lady Bears’ defense. Missouri State is seeking stability after consecutive losses to Kansas (70-73 in OT) and Arkansas (58-73). In the defeat to the Razorbacks, forward Kendal Brueggen provided a bright spot with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a block in 20 minutes off the bench. Her recent insertion into a larger role could provide a spark for the Lady Bears’ frontcourt. Gonzaga’s season has been marked by close games, with four of their five losses coming by single digits. They rely heavily on Whittaker’s offense, supplemented by contributors like Taylor Smith and Allie Turner, who combined for 20 points and 7 assists against Arizona State. Missouri State, under the guidance of coach Beth Cunningham, has shown resilience at home, boasting a 5-1 record at JQH Arena this season. Their defense, which allows an average of 65.5 points, will be tested by Whittaker and a Gonzaga team averaging 70.2 points per game. This contest serves as a final tune-up before both teams break for the holiday. Gonzaga travels to UC Riverside on Sunday, while Missouri State hosts Central Arkansas next Monday. Friday’s matchup offers both squads a chance to build momentum heading into the new year.