Pepperdine Game Recap: Waves 69, Highlanders 66

Feb. 7, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Pepperdine Waves head coach Marty Wilson reacts during a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Pepperdine defeated UC Riverside by a score of 69 to 66, recording its second victory of the season and its first victory against a division 1 opponent.

The Waves were led by none other than Stacy Davis, who had 23 points and 9 rebounds. Senior forward Brendan Lane tied the team lead for rebounds in this contest with 9 as well. Freshman guard Jeremy Major was Pepperdine’s leading distributor with 4 assists.

For the Highlanders, reserve Chris Harriel led the way with 15 points, and sophomore forward Taylor Johns followed with 13. 3 players (Johns, Chris Patton, and Nick Gruninger) had 4 rebounds apiece to lead UC Riverside.

Stat of the Night

Stacy Davis was 2 of 2 from behind the arc today. Last season, Davis only attempted a grand total of 2 three-pointers, and didn’t make a single one.

Keys to the Game Checklist

Davis vs. Johns – Check

Stacy Davis outplayed Taylor Johns today statistically with more points and rebound. Safe to give the Waves a check for this one.

Rely on the Newcomers – Check Minus

The newcomers accounted for 42% of the Waves points tonight. Brendan Lane had another decent performance tonight with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Jeremy Major shot a good percentage from three-point line (66.6%) and did a decent job of carrying out the point guard duties (4 assists, 1 steal).

Bottom Line

Although Pepperdine got the win tonight, this game should leave a sour taste in fans mouths. UC Riverside is predicted to finish last in a conference that is below the West Coast Conference. This is a team that Pepperdine should have beat handily.

If Pepperdine does not improve throughout the year, they will struggle in the WCC and will likely be a bottom feeder.