Waves Lose Battle of the Boards, Game

From offense and defense to intensity and effort, just about everything has wavered for Pepperdine this season.

But the presence of Gonzaga usually brings out of the best from West Coast Conference opponents and it was no different Thursday night in front of 3,255 at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The 14th-ranked Bulldogs are used an energized atmosphere and they displayed their poise and withstood several second-half rallies by an inspired Pepperdine team for an 82-75 victory.

Using its size advantage, Gonzaga, 18-4 overall and 8-2 in the WCC, got 20 points and 12 rebounds from center Ronny Turiaf and 19 points from forward Adam Morrison as all five Bulldog starters scored in double figures.

But the victory didn’t come without a struggle as the Waves stayed close throughout despite grabbing only 22 rebounds to Gonzaga’s 47.

“Everywhere we go is pretty much a sellout and it has been probably the last three of four years,” Gonzaga Coach Mark Few said. “I think it helps us. If you’re not ready to go in an environment like that, then there’s something wrong with you.”

Yakhouba Diawara, who had a game-high 24 points, made consecutive three-point baskets in the final minute to cut the lead to two, but Turiaf and Erroll Knight combined to make five free throws as the Bulldogs broke a tie with idle St. Mary’s and moved into first place in the conference.

Pepperdine’s chances were hurt by seven consecutive missed free throws midway through the second half.

Add in two late three-point shots by Gonzaga’s Derek Raivio, who had 17 points.

“He’s been hitting big shots all year,” Few said of his point guard. “He’s a fearless shooter.”

Glen McGowan had 22 points and Alex Acker added 19 to spark one of the best efforts of the season for the Waves (13-12, 3-7).

“I told our team that I was very proud with the way they played tonight, but they don’t shoot free throws worth [a darn].”Pepperdine Coach Paul Westphal said.

Pepperdine’s lack of an inside presence was hurt as 7-foot starting center Russell Hicks was in his native Canada to attend the funeral of his grandfather.

Eric Stephens

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Portland 54, Loyola Marymount 50 -- The Lions could not overcome poor shooting in a loss to the Pilots at Gersten Pavilion.

Loyola Marymount, which made only 29% of its shots, trailed, 46-32, with 9:19 remaining. The Lions (11-12, 3-7) then went on a 16-2 run to tie the score, 48-48, with 2:51 remaining.

The Pilots (15-10, 4-6) scored the next four points, but Loyola put on another surge to battle within 52-50 with 36 seconds remaining but could get no closer.