Pepperdine women’s basketball faced a 52-82 defeat against No. 18 USC at the Galen Center on Friday afternoon, despite out-rebounding their opponent 35-32. The Waves now hold a 4-2 record for the season, while USC improves to 5-2.
Head coach Katie Faulkner commented on the outcome: “Games like that teach you a lot about yourself this early in the season and provide a road map for where we need to continue to improve,” she said. “I’m happy with our efforts on the boards, but we need to find a way to execute when we are down.”
Pepperdine, which ranks 16th nationally in three-pointers per game, struggled offensively from long range and managed only one three-pointer throughout the contest. The opening five minutes were marked by strong defensive play from both teams, with Pepperdine trailing by just two points at 6-8 before USC went on a run to end the first quarter ahead 21-10.
USC started the second quarter with a decisive 16-3 run, extending their lead significantly. By halftime, Pepperdine was behind 26-47. Meghan Fiso contributed Pepperdine’s only three-pointer of the game late in the second quarter.
In the third period, both teams scored at similar rates as USC maintained its advantage. The Trojans further increased their lead in the fourth quarter by making five three-pointers at a fifty percent success rate.
For Pepperdine, Elli Guiney led scoring with 12 points while Bella Green collected nine rebounds. The Waves shot .340 from the field—a season low—and had an .882 free throw percentage compared to USC’s .667. Both teams finished with ten second-chance points each; however, Pepperdine committed twice as many turnovers (18) as USC (9). The team’s total of 52 points was its lowest since March against Oregon State.
The Waves will return home next Wednesday to face California Baptist University in Malibu. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., marking their first night home game of the season. The event will feature giveaways including hot chocolate and ugly sweater t-shirts for fans attending early. Coverage will be available via ESPN+ (subscription required), and live statistics can be accessed through pepperdinewaves.com.
Pepperdine women’s basketball has made four NCAA postseason appearances and won multiple WCC regular-season and tournament titles throughout its history.
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