Waves Rally Behind Strong Defense, 59-52

WESTCHESTER —  In a season of infrequent highs and abundant lows, the one constant for the Pepperdine men’s basketball team has been its ability to play aggressive defense.

That again was the case Wednesday night. Despite shooting only 33%, the Waves applied a stranglehold on Loyola Marymount, limiting the Lions to a season-low point total in a 59-52 West Coast Conference victory before 1,037 at Gersten Pavilion.

“I’d rather win them nasty than lose them pretty,” Pepperdine Coach Lorenzo Romar said. “I think the way we play defense, it makes them nasty. It slows the game down.”

It was Loyola’s lowest point total at home since a 51-49 loss to Gonzaga in the 1984-85 season.

Pepperdine (4-11, 1-2 in conference) survived poor shooting, foul trouble and some nervous moments down the stretch by stopping Loyola (4-11, 2-1) at critical times. The Lions made only three baskets in the last 13:50 and missed their final four shots, all three-point attempts, after the Waves took a 55-52 lead on a basket by Tommie Prince with 55 seconds to play.

Pepperdine also did a good job on the boards, outrebounding Loyola, 43-35, and limiting the Lions to nine offensive rebounds.

Although Loyola point guard Jim Williamson led all scorers with 17 points, he made only four of 13 shots and wasn’t a factor after hitting a three-point basket to pull the Lions to within 51-50 with 2:35 left.

Romar credited R.J. Powell, playing in only his second game in six outings because of back problems, for keeping Williamson in check.

Forward Marc McDowell had 15 points and nine rebounds for Pepperdine, Prince had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and center Bryan Hill had 10 points, six rebounds and four steals despite sitting out most of the first half with three fouls.