Run-and-Gun Pepperdine Won’t Brake for Bruins

Much the way the team races up and down the court in its new up-tempo style, Pepperdine is in a hurry to gain notice.

The Waves (8-3) are off to a solid start in Jan van Breda Kolff’s first season as men’s basketball coach, but solid isn’t enough. They want sensational.

The first step in becoming a nationally recognized program is beating a nationally ranked team. So far, Pepperdine is 0-2, losing to Kansas and Auburn, both ranked No. 6 at the time they played the Waves.

Another opportunity is at hand. Pepperdine will face No. 18 UCLA at 7:30 tonight at Pauley Pavilion.

UCLA (6-2) was upset by Gonzaga and Colorado State, teams that slowed the pace and worked for shots. But don’t expect Pepperdine to put on the brakes.

“We are comfortable with our style,” van Breda Kolff said. “Our team feels confident in our abilities and style. We’ll do the things that have gotten us to this point.”

That includes balanced scoring. Seven Waves scored in double figures during the three-game San Juan Shootout last week. Pepperdine was runner-up, falling to Auburn in a final attended only by about 200.

Of course, the crowd at Pauley Pavilion will be large and loud. Pepperdine is 2-1 in front of big crowds this season, beating Fresno State and Wichita State on the road and falling at Kansas.

“A lot of our kids are from the L.A. area, so 1/8UCLA 3/8 is a game they would look at with more significance,” van Breda Kolff said.