WCC championship: Gonzaga women vs. Portland (March 12)

Mon., March 11, 2024

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Brynna Maxwell (22) reacts as time expires and the Portland Pilots celebrate defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs’ starters smile as they wait to be introduced before facing the Portland Pilots during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Eliza Hollingsworth (12) smiles as she is introduced before facing the Portland Pilots during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) drives the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots forward Kennedy Dickie (12) heads to the hoop against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots forward Lucy Cochrane (30) looks to pass against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Maud Huijbens (5) during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) grabs a rebound against the Portland Pilots during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Kianna Hamilton (25) drives against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Maud Huijbens (5) during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga fan Derek Wood, of Yakima, poses for a photo as he shows off the GU Bulldog he had shaved into the back of his head for the WCC basketball tournament during the first half of the WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) shoots agianst the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) gets wrapped up in the hair of Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) as Ejim grabs a rebound during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) looks for a call after hitting the floor against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Natalie Fraley (10) shoots the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Kianna Hamilton (25) drives the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Brynna Maxwell (22) during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) reacts to contact from Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Eliza Hollingsworth (12) and forward Yvonne Ejim (15) as she drives to the hoop and loses the ball during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots forward Lucy Cochrane (30) grabs a rebound against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) and Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kayleigh Truong (11) collide as they pursue a loose ball during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Brynna Maxwell (22) hits an outside shot against the Portland Pilots during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) shoots against Portland Pilots forward Lucy Cochrane (30) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kayleigh Truong (11) drives the ball agianst Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kayleigh Truong (11) moves the ball against Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots forward Kennedy Dickie (12) drives the ball in the paint against the Portland Pilots during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Maud Huijbens (5) shoots the ball against the Portland Pilots during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Esther Little (0) and Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) shove eachother in the paint and Little is called for a foul during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Eliza Hollingsworth (12) looks for a shot against Portland Pilots forward Dyani Ananiev (2) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Lisa Fortier reacts to a call against her team during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game against the Portland Pilots on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) stuffs her nose with cotton after contact against Portland caused a bleed during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) moves the ball in the paint against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots celebrate guard Maisie Burnham (24) drawing a foul against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kayleigh Truong (11) passes the ball against the Portland Pilots during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kaylynne Truong (14) drives the ball against Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Eliza Hollingsworth (12) reaches for the ball against the Portland Pilots during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Eliza Hollingsworth (12) moves the ball to the hoop against the Portland Pilots during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) clashes with the Portland Pilots on her way to the hoop during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kaylynne Truong (14) moves the ball down the court against the Portland Pilots during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) puts pressure on Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kaylynne Truong (14) as she moves the ball during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kayleigh Truong (11) goes up for a shot against the Portland Pilots during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kayleigh Truong (11) moves the ball down the court against Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) collides with Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kayleigh Truong (11) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Esther Little (0) and the Bulldog’s bench react during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game against the Portland Pilots on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Lisa Fortier watches as the Portland Pilots drive the ball down the court during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game against the Portland Pilots on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

The Gonzaga Bulldogs bench reacts against the Portland Pilots during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kaylynne Truong (14) shoots the ball over Portland Pilots forward Kennedy Dickie (12) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) looks for a call after she was trapped by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kayleigh Truong (11) and her sister guard Kaylynne Truong (14) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) moves in the paint agaisnt Portland Pilots guard Kianna Hamilton (25) during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Eliza Hollingsworth (12) and Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) watch as a ball goes flying out of bounds resulting in a long officials’ timeout to review the play during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

An offical reviews an out of bounds play and gives Gonzaga posession of the ball over the Portland Pilots late during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kaylynne Truong (14) and the Portland Pilots watch as her last second shot misses and Portland wins the game during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Brynna Maxwell (22) reacts as time expires and the Portland Pilots celebrate defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kayleigh Truong (11) helps up her sister guard Kaylynne Truong (14) after Kaylynne missed a last second shot and the Portland Pilots won the game during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Brynna Maxwell (22) reacts as time expires and the Portland Pilots celebrate defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots guard Maisie Burnham (24) celebrates defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs as Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kaylynne Truong (14) and guard Brynna Maxwell (22) head to the locker room during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots forward Lainey Spear (20) celebrates defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Portland Pilots forward Kennedy Dickie (12) raises her cap after defeatig the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of a WCC women’s championship basketball game on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Portland won the game 67-66. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)