Pepperdine Hits 20-Victory Plateau

It took a careening ride with more than a few reckless twists and turns, but Pepperdine reached important milestones Wednesday night.

The Waves posted their 20th victory for the first time in seven years and finished unbeaten at home in seven West Coast Conference games by defeating Loyola Marymount, 95-73, in Malibu.

Not until the last nine minutes did Pepperdine, 20-6 overall and 10-1 in conference, pull away from an opponent that has not defeated a Division I team. Ahead, 66-57, the Waves used a 13-2 run for a 20-point cushion with six minutes left.

Consecutive three-point baskets by Pepperdine guards Tezale Archie and Brandon Armstrong followed a technical foul called on Loyola Marymount Coach Charles Bradley.

“It’s a good feeling getting to 20 victories,” said Kelvin Gibbs, a junior forward. “It’s the first time since high school for any of us.”

Pepperdine has won 12 of 13 and four in a row, including a victory over Gonzaga on Saturday that pulled the Waves into a first-place tie. With three WCC games and the conference tournament remaining, the Waves won’t be happy with fewer than 25 victories.

“We’re not done winning yet,” Gibbs said.

Loyola (2-22, 0-11) lost its 11th in a row.

Pepperdine built a 39-23 lead, then the Lions clawed back behind freshman forward J.J. Sola, who scored 11 of his 22 points in a span of 4:30 to close the gap to 50-42 at halftime.

Tommie Prince was Pepperdine’s most effective player early, scoring 13 points in the first half and finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Elton Mashack got hot in the second half for the Lions, who pulled within seven points and hung close enough to keep Pepperdine’s starters in the game. Mashack, a junior forward, scored 26 points.

Armstrong scored 22 points and Archie had 16 points and six assists. Pepperdine shot 57.1%.