Pepperdine University’s women’s basketball team lost a close game to Oregon State, with a final score of 68-69 at Firestone Fieldhouse on Saturday. The Waves now hold an 11-8 overall record and are 2-5 in West Coast Conference play, while Oregon State improves to 14-6 and 6-1 in the conference.
“Heartbreaking loss. No way around it,” said head coach Katie Faulkner. “But there’s so much good surrounding this team that I know we will bounce back.”
The game started with both teams scoring efficiently, ending the first quarter tied at 21. Pepperdine continued its strong three-point shooting in the second quarter but trailed by one point at halftime, with Oregon State leading 36-35.
In the third quarter, Pepperdine responded to an early run by Oregon State with a significant 19-0 stretch, led by Elli Guiney who scored 14 points and made four consecutive three-pointers during that period. However, Oregon State closed the gap by finishing the third quarter on a small run of their own, leaving Pepperdine ahead 56-47 going into the fourth.
Oregon State outscored Pepperdine in the final quarter and had more free throw opportunities—ten compared to just one for Pepperdine—which helped them secure a narrow win as time expired.
Five of Pepperdine’s losses this season have been decided by a combined total of only 15 points.
Bella Green recorded her first double-double of the season with ten points and ten rebounds. Elli Guiney matched her career-high by leading all scorers with 26 points. Meghan Fiso also reached double digits with thirteen points. The Waves committed just eleven turnovers compared to seventeen for Oregon State but were outrebounded 39 to 26. Green’s performance is notable within both the conference and nationally for its combination of points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Additionally, Pepperdine made thirteen three-pointers versus six from Oregon State.
Pepperdine will look for its next conference win when it travels to Moraga to face Saint Mary’s next Thursday at 6:30 p.m., with streaming available on ESPN+ and live stats provided on www.pepperdinewaves.com.
According to program history, Pepperdine women’s basketball has appeared in four NCAA postseasons and won multiple WCC regular-season titles as well as tournament championships. The team also reached the Sweet Sixteen in the WNIT Tournament in 2019.
For ticket information about upcoming home games visit their official site. Updates can be found on social media @PepperdineWBB.
