Pepperdine women’s basketball lost a close game to the University of San Diego, falling 51-54 at Jenny Craig Pavilion on Saturday. The defeat brings Pepperdine’s record to 10-7 overall and 1-4 in West Coast Conference play, while San Diego improves to 7-12 and 1-5 in conference.
Head coach Katie Faulkner commented on the outcome: “You could over analyze the disappointment, but we created a lot of opportunities and just didn’t convert tonight. Back to work!”
The game began with both teams struggling offensively, combining for an 0-for-8 start from three-point range in the first quarter. Pepperdine managed to lead 12-6 after one period, with six different players scoring.
Shorna Preston hit one of only two three-pointers for Pepperdine in the second quarter. Meghan Fiso led the team with six points in the first half as Pepperdine entered halftime ahead 27-23. Fast break points helped maintain their advantage.
In the third quarter, Pepperdine extended its lead by outscoring San Diego 17-13. Fiso scored eight points during this stretch, while Preston and Elli Guiney each collected three rebounds. Preston also contributed five assists as Pepperdine shot .444 from the field and led 44-36 heading into the final quarter.
However, momentum shifted in the fourth quarter. The Waves scored only seven points and shot .143 from the field compared to San Diego’s .583 shooting percentage. Three turnovers without scoring over a three-minute span allowed San Diego to take control with just over five minutes remaining. Pepperdine was unable to recover and ultimately lost by three points.
Meghan Fiso finished as Pepperdine’s top scorer with 16 points, followed by Lina Falk with 12. Preston recorded a team-high ten rebounds, while Falk led on offensive boards with four. The Toreros registered ten steals against four for Pepperdine. Both teams made two three-pointers each and had similar shooting percentages—Pepperdine at .350 and San Diego at .362—with six lead changes and five ties throughout the contest.
Pepperdine will return home Thursday to face Pacific in a game dedicated to mental health awareness. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., with streaming available on ESPN+ (subscription required) and live stats accessible at pepperdinewaves.com.
Pepperdine women’s basketball has previously reached four NCAA postseason tournaments, won four WCC regular-season titles, and claimed three WCC Tournament championships. The program has produced six All-Americans and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the WNIT Tournament in 2019.
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