Pepperdine Triumphs Over Portland in Historic Win
In a thrilling showdown, the Pepperdine Waves women’s basketball team defeated the Portland Pilots for the first time at the Chiles Center since 2010, ending a long drought. With a final score of 70-63, this victory underscores a strong team effort.
Coach Katie Faulkner praised her players, saying, “Toughness and togetherness were key tonight.” The Waves dominated throughout the game, only losing the lead for a mere 33 seconds.
In the first quarter, the Waves held a narrow lead, ending the period at 15-14. Lina Falk led the charge with five points, with Meghan Fiso close behind with four.
The second quarter was marked by fierce defense, with both teams combining for just 18 points. Portland initially took a brief lead, but thanks to crucial free throws from Shorna Preston and a layup by Fiso, Pepperdine regained control, finishing the half ahead 26-21.
The third quarter saw both teams ramping up their offense, almost doubling their point totals from the first half. Despite 12 fouls slowing the pace, Pepperdine maintained their lead, going into the final quarter up 47-41.
The fourth quarter was intense, with 16 fouls disrupting the flow of the game. However, Pepperdine shot an impressive 61.5% from the field and effectively kept Portland at bay. Falk’s seven points in the final minutes secured the win for the Waves.
This victory moves Pepperdine to a 9-8 record in conference play, putting them in a better position for the upcoming WCC tournament. A win in their last regular-season game combined with losses for Portland and San Francisco could significantly improve their tournament seeding.
Game Highlights:
- Lina Falk led the Waves with 17 points.
- Ivan Finley added 13 points for Pepperdine.
- The Waves out-rebounded the Pilots 45-34.
- Pepperdine shot 45.9% from the field compared to Portland’s 31.8%.
As Pepperdine prepares for its last regular-season game against Seattle University, the team remains focused on finishing strong.
Did You Know?
Pepperdine women’s basketball has a rich history with four appearances in the NCAA postseason and three WCC Tournament victories. Their performance in the WNIT tournament, including reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2019, showcases their competitive spirit.
Stay updated on the Pepperdine Waves by following their social media @PepperdineWBB for the latest news and highlights.
