SPOKANE, Wash. --- Jayce Gorzeman produced a career-high 15 points and four Pilots scored in double figures, but the No. 14 Gonzaga Bulldogs overcame Portland 97-71 in a West Coast Conference women's basketball game played on Saturday afternoon at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Julie Spencer also scored 15 points for the Pilots.
 
The Zags (16-1, 5-0 WCC) opened the game on fire from the field, hitting eight of their first 10 shots, which were mostly mid-range jumpers. Gorzeman connected on a three-pointer early in the first to tie the score, but Gonzaga soon led 18-7. From there the lead would grow, and they'd claim a 29-13 edge heading to the second quarter.
 
They'd stretch their lead to 20 points, but Portland responded. Gorzeman hit another three, which she followed moments later with a fast break lay-up, allowing the Pilots to cut the deficit down to 35-22. Haylee Andrews then converted a traditional three-point play, and another lay-in from Gorzeman pulled Portland within 12 points with four minutes left in the half.
 
The Bulldogs would eventually take a 49-32 lead into the break, despite Gorzeman already scoring a new career high with 13 points. Liana Kaitu'u was also solid in the first half, matching a career-best nine points.
 
Gonzaga's lead would hover around 20 points for most of the third period before the Pilots tried to put together a run in the final frame. Darian Slaga made a lay-up after a steal by Andrews to make it a 78-64 game, and the Pilots were still within 15 points when Kate Andersen knocked down a baseline jumper. But Gonzaga would pull away from there to remain perfect in the WCC.
 
Gorzeman shot five of eight from the field to lead the Pilots (8-8, 0-5 WCC), and Spencer reached double digits in points for the 14th time this season. Slaga finished with 14 points, and Andrews added 10.
 
Two-time reigning WCC Player of the Week Zykera Rice led all scorers with a game-high 19 points, while Laura Stockton collected 19 points and six assists.
 
Gonzaga shot 52 percent, while holding the Pilots to 36 percent shooting. The Zags also held a decisive 58-30 advantage in rebounds.
 
Portland remains on the road next week when they travel to San Diego, Calif., for a WCC contest on Thursday night against the San Diego Toreros. Tip-off at the Jenny Craig Pavilion is set for 12 p.m.