Junior forward Zykera Rice set the tone early for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, scoring 23 points in a midday win over Pepperdine, 79-54.
It was another defensive gem from the women’s squad, who held Pepperdine to 33.9 percent shooting from the floor and forced 15 turnovers.
Rice was absolutely fantastic throughout the game, and her offensive contributions were greatly required. Although the Zags finished shooting 50 percent from the floor, if you take out Rice, the rest of the team shot 39 percent.
Rice was nearly perfect, shooting 11-of-12 from the floor, grabbing six rebounds, dishing out five assists, and stealing the ball twice.