Santa Barbara Ends Pepperdine’s Streak at Five

Lucius Davis scored 18 of his 24 points in the second half and grabbed nine rebounds Monday night to lead UC Santa Barbara to a 64-56 nonconference victory over Pepperdine.

The victory was the fifth straight for Santa Barbara of the Big West Conference. Pepperdine, a member of the West Coast Conference, had its winning streak ended at five games.

The victory gave the Gauchos a 27-26 advantage over the Waves in the 53 games the schools have played against each other. Pepperdine evened the series last season by winning a 72-60 decision on its home court.

Doug Muse and Ray Kelly had 10 points each for the Gauchos (13-4). Kelly, a guard, also had seven assists and four steals.

Geoff Lear led Pepperdine (12-6) with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Doug Christie and Damin Lopez scored 12 points apiece for the Waves.

Pepperdine got off to a fast start, taking an 11-3 lead after 5 1/2 minutes of play.

However, the Gauchos scored 14 of the game’s next 20 points to forge a 17-17 tie. Santa Barbara held a 28-24 advantage at half- time.

The game was close for most of the second half.

Pepperdine took a 47-46 lead with 7:47 remaining on a jump-hook by Lear. Santa Barbara then scored the game’s next six points to go ahead for good and steadily pulled away after that.