Waves Win This One With Defense

Pepperdine’s tough defense, which held St. Mary’s to 26% field-goal shooting, propelled the Waves to a 67-51 victory Friday night at Moraga.

The Waves (8-6, 1-0) got double-figure scoring from five players and forced the host Gaels (5-9, 0-1) to make only 16 of 62 field goal attempts.

Forward Jimmy Miggins had 11 points and 13 rebounds for Pepperdine, which shot 46% (21 of 46) from the field. The Waves also got 11 points from guard Terrance Johnson. Devin Montgomery, Boomer Brazzle and Craig Lewis each scored 10.

St. Mary’s, led by forward Chase Poole’s 12 points and eight rebounds, trailed throughout the game but pulled to within 40-36 on a layup by Poole with 11:38 remaining. However, the Gaels could manage only one field goal and two free throws during the last five minutes.

Pepperdine was efficient at the free throw line, making 22 of 27 (82%). St. Mary’s made 15 of 22 free throws (68%).

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San Francisco 75, Loyola Marymount 66--Darrell Tucker had 20 points and 14 rebounds to post his seventh double-double and lead the host Dons at San Francisco.

Shamell Stallworth scored 23 points, including three three-point baskets, to tie his season-high, and John Cox scored 14 points for San Francisco.

Freshman forward Andy Osborn led Loyola Marymount with 17 points and seven rebounds. Kent Dennis scored 12 for the Lions.

The Dons outscored the Lions, 22-11, over an eight-minute period to move ahead, 64-54, on Stallworth’s layup with 5:46 remaining. Loyola Marymount closed to within 70-63 on Dennis’ three-point basket with 2:07 remaining, but would get no closer.

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San Diego 65, Portland 64--Jason Blair scored 28 points as San Diego (9-5) held on to win at Portland. Coky Rochin had 20 points and 17 rebounds for Portland (4-11).

After Sam Adamo’s jumper put San Diego ahead 65-62, Portland had a chance to tie when Rochin scored from close range and was fouled. But he missed the free throw.

After a missed shot by the Toreros, Portland had another chance with 10 seconds remaining, but Casey Frandsen missed an eight-footer.