Brownridge, Santa Clara Spoil Senior Night for Pepperdine
By Max Graves
Dec 28, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Santa Clara Broncos guard Jared Brownridge (23) (right) and Santa Clara Broncos guard Brandon Clark (3) warm up before a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
A record setting night for Jared Brownridge paced the Broncos, who downed the Waves on their senior night 86-78. Brownridge dropped 38 points, and tied/broke 6 Bronco records along the way, including the freshman point record in a game and in a season.
Brandon Clark added 18 points and 8 assists, who also broke the Santa Clara school record for career free throws. Jerry Brown got the start for the Broncos, and he contributed 11 points and 6 rebounds. Brownridge led the Broncos in rebounding as well, with 7.
Stacy Davis led Pepperdine with 18 points and 9 rebounds, who shot 25-56 (44.6%) from the field. Senior Brendan Lane had a slow start, but ended with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Malte Kramer and Malcolm Brooks added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Keys To The Game Checklist
Santa Clara
(Check) Contain Brendan Lane
Brendan Lane killed Santa Clara in their first matchup, and on senior night, I expected him to have a big game. However, the Broncos did a great job of containing both him and Stacy Davis. I said if they just kept those two to around their season averages, they would have a good chance of winning this game, and the Broncos accomplished that well.
Pepperdine
Control the Boards
Pepperdine was unable to even beat the Broncos on the boards, losing the battle 38-36. Along with this, they gave up 18 offensive rebounds, which is 8 more than their season average. The Waves needed to dominate the boards against a weak rebounding Bronco team, and they could not get it done.
Moving Forward
This was the final regular season game for both teams. Fortunately for Pepperdine, San Diego and Portland lost, so they held on to that 5th spot in the league. They will play either USF or SMC in the quarterfinals of the WCC tournament next Saturday. The Broncos will face off with Pacific next Thursday, with Gonzaga awaiting the winner.