Pepperdine Falls to UCLA in Competitive Matchup
In a closely fought game, Pepperdine men’s basketball lost to No. 12 UCLA, 74-63. Despite the loss, there were standout performances from the Waves players.
Aaron Clark was a leading scorer with 18 points, along with six rebounds and four assists. Javon Cooley followed closely with 17 points and nine rebounds. Styles Phipps also contributed significantly, racking up nine points, six rebounds, and six assists.
The game started well for the Waves, who led early with a score of 15-11. However, UCLA quickly seized control, putting together a 15-0 run. This shift highlighted a key issue—Pepperdine struggled to maintain offensive momentum, going scoreless for over five minutes during that stretch.
Throughout the first half, the Waves kept UCLA from extending their lead too dramatically, limiting their field goals for a stretch. But UCLA’s ability to draw fouls allowed them a comfortable edge. In fact, the Bruins had 17 free throw attempts compared to just seven for Pepperdine in the first half.
Despite a shaky start overall, both teams entered halftime with scores that indicated tight competition; UCLA was ahead 37-28. Cooley led the Waves in scoring for the first half with 12 points.
The second half began with UCLA ramping up their offense, scoring seven points straight. This phase of the game showcased UCLA’s strength but also revealed a notable shift from Pepperdine’s earlier intensity. However, Luka Vudragovic responded with a crucial three-pointer, briefly halting the Bruins’ momentum.
As the game progressed, Pepperdine attempted to close the gap. Clark scored 13 points in the second half alone. Although the Waves fought valiantly, their efforts fell short. UCLA’s consistent shooting kept them ahead, eventually sealing up the win despite a late push from Pepperdine.
A few key stats stood out from the game:
- Pepperdine was 13-for-13 from the free-throw line.
- The Waves held UCLA to only five three-pointers out of 21 attempts.
- They dominated offensive rebounds with 15, compared to UCLA’s 13.
Typically, in collegiate basketball, free-throw shooting can make or break a game. ESPN’s recent study showed that teams converting over 75% of their free throws in games have a significantly higher chance of winning. Pepperdine’s perfect free-throw performance illustrates their potential to compete at a high level, even if they struggled with field goal percentages.
Historically, Pepperdine has faced challenges against elite teams like UCLA, with this loss marking their record at 4-22 against the Bruins. Yet, there are signs of growth within the team, hinted at by Coach Ed Schilling’s comments post-game about the hard-fought nature of the matchup.
As the season progresses, the Waves will aim to build on this performance. They’ll face Lincoln University next, providing another opportunity to improve and solidify their strengths on the court.
For further details about the team and future matches, visit Pepperdine Waves. Follow their journey on social media @PepperdineMBB.
