Preview: Gonzaga Women Set for West Coast Conference Clash at Loyola Marymount LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A pivotal West Coast Conference women’s basketball matchup is set for Saturday as the Gonzaga Bulldogs visit the Loyola Marymount Lions at Gersten Pavilion. The Bulldogs (19-7 overall) enter on a five-game winning streak, including a 66-56 road victory at San Diego on Thursday. The Lions (16-8) have won four of their last five, most recently defeating Pepperdine 72-62 at home. Gonzaga holds the upper hand in the season series, having edged Loyola Marymount 87-80 in double-overtime on Dec. 28 in Spokane. Saturday’s rematch in Los Angeles carries significant weight for conference tournament seeding. A key matchup will feature two of the league’s top scorers. Gonzaga’s Lauren Whittaker is averaging 18.4 points per game over her last seven contests, including a 37-point outburst in a January loss to Oregon State. She scored 19 points in Thursday’s win at San Diego. Loyola Marymount counters with guard Jess Lawson, who is coming off a 17-point, 4-assist performance against Pepperdine. Lawson has been a consistent facilitator and scorer, recording a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds in a Jan. 24 game at San Diego. Gonzaga’s recent surge has been fueled by defense, holding opponents to an average of 51.2 points during their current win streak. Loyola Marymount has shown offensive firepower at home, averaging 78.3 points in its last three games at Gersten Pavilion. The Bulldogs’ balance will be tested. Alongside Whittaker, Zeryhia Aokuso (12 points vs. San Diego) and Taylor Smith (4 assists vs. San Diego) provide additional threats. The Lions rely on Lawson, Andjela Matic (13 points vs. Pepperdine), and Carly Heidger (11 points vs. Pepperdine) for production. Saturday’s contest is the only scheduled meeting between the teams in Los Angeles this season. Following this game, Gonzaga will host Washington State on Feb. 19, while Loyola Marymount travels to Seattle on the same date. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. PST at Gersten Pavilion.