Pepperdine has forced 144 turnovers in racing...
Pepperdine has forced 144 turnovers in racing to a 5-2 start in men’s basketball.
The Waves will need plenty of defensive focus Thursday against unbeaten USC, which is shooting 44.8% from three-point range.
“We depend on consistent energy on the defensive end,” Coach Jan van Breda Kolff said. “When we get that, we put ourselves in a position to win.”
Pepperdine has not played the Trojans (6-0) since a second-round National Invitation Tournament game in 1993. USC won, 71-59.
The Waves could benefit from the return of guard Craig Lewis, who has missed the last two games because of an ankle injury. Lewis, who averages 10.4 points, is questionable.
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