WCC Game Preview: Santa Clara vs. Pepperdine
By Max Graves
Jan 16, 2014; Malibu, CA, USA; Pepperdine Waves forward Stacy Davis (5) posts up Gonzaga Bulldogs center Sam Dower (35) as guard Kyle Dranginis (3) also defends in the first half at Firestone Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports
Santa Clara (12-18, 5-12) at Pepperdine (15-14, 8-9)
Date: Saturday, March 1st, 2014
Location: Firestone Fieldhouse, Malibu, Calif.
Time: 5:00 PM PST
TV: None
Video: thew.tv
Livestats: http://www.pepperdinesports.com/gametracker/launch/gt_mbaskbl.html?event=1287523&school=pepp&sport=mbaskbl&camefrom=&startschool=&
Previous Matchup: Pepperdine 70, Santa Clara 61
PROJECTED STARTERS
Santa Clara
Pepperdine
LIVESTREAM (Subject to Blackout) *brought to you by thew.tv:
The Pepperdine Waves were outscored 47-21 in the second half en route to a 77-53 loss Thursday night against USF. Stacy Davis had 15 points and 8 rebounds to lead the Waves, who shot only 27% from the field in the second half.
Santa Clara lost a heartbreaker on Thursday 75-71 at LMU. Evan Roquemore came off the bench to score 19 points and dish out 5 assists, but the Broncos could not overcome their 20 turnovers and the hot shooting of Anthony Ireland and Evan Payne.
Keys To The Game
Santa Clara
Contain Brendan Lane
Brendan Lane dominated the first matchup between these two teams. He had 26 points and 17 rebounds, and he really took over down the stretch. When Santa Clara’s bigs have played well, their team has been tough to beat. If they can hold Lane and Stacy Davis to their season averages, Santa Clara has a good shot at winning this game.
Pepperdine
Control the Boards
In their first matchup, Pepperdine killed Santa Clara on the boards, beating them 41-30, and getting 14 second chance points compared to 2 for the Broncos. It has been Santa Clara’s achilles heel all season, and size is Pepperdine’s strength. If they can control the glass, especially the offensive glass, they gain a huge advantage in this one.
Prediction
This game means a lot more to the Waves than it does for the Broncos. It’s senior night in Malibu, and they will honor Brendan Lane, Nikolas Skouen, and Malte Kramer. As well, if the Waves were to lose and USD and Portland were to win on Saturday, they would fall into a 3-way tie for 5th and could possibly fall into the 7th league spot. A win clinches sole possession of 5th place, whereas the Broncos are pretty much a lock to play Pacific in the opening round of the tournament. I think Brendan Lane will play as well as he has all year, and I expect the rest of the team to play with a lot of energy. Pepperdine 73, Santa Clara 58.