COLLEGE BASKETBALL 1992-93 : Waves Rally to Defeat Russian Select Team

Pepperdine had to struggle more than expected to defeat the Russian National Select team, 71-70, Monday in an exhibition at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu.

Pepperdine trailed most of the game, including an 11-point deficit early in the second half, and didn’t take the lead for good until forward Byron Jenson made two free throws with 44 seconds remaining.

The Russians played for the last shot, but an attempt by guard Viacheslav Merzliakov was blocked by guard Bryan Parker as time expired.

Jenson, who led the Waves with 26 points in an exhibition victory last week over the AAU Lafayette Hustlers, led them again with 17. Guard Damin Lopez added 16 points, including four three-point baskets; forward Dana Jones had 11 points and center Derek Noether 10.

But Coach Tom Asbury was disappointed with his team’s execution against the Russians, who have yet to win a game against an NCAA Division I opponent on their U.S. tour.

“You look at those guys and normally we should beat a team like that,” he said. “But like any underdog, if you keep them in the game long enough and allow them to take their shots, it can get tough for you.”