These two teams are young. San Diego has more seniors than Pepperdine. Pepperdine has a senior at the position where experience matters. The Toreros stellar sophomore back court of Johnny Dee and Christopher Anderson have been playing like veterans. Pepperdine's Lorne Jackson is a veteran, the fifth year senior has been here before and won't be back unless he gets a victory tonight.
Both teams feature members of the WCC's All-Freshman Team. Center Jito Kok is a block machine for the Toreros. Stacy Davis' 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game earned him WCC Newcomer of the Year honors.
The first time these two met the Toreros won easily, by 12, in Malibu back in January. The second time was less than a week ago and the Waves proved to be much more pesky than the first time with the Toreros winning by only seven. Familiarity is the name of this game as neither team has played since Saturday. Having the last game fresh in their minds both teams know what the need to do differently this time. KenPom.com projects this to be a two point game when the final buzzer sounds. He uses stats to figure that out. Based upon familiarity I would have to agree that this will be a close one.
San Diego has shown the ability win big games. The Toreros beat BYU by six and hung in with the Zags until the end but came up two points short. Pepperdine, well, hasn't. The Waves' four conference wins came against Portland and LMU, the two teams that finished below them in the standings. Other than a two point loss when BYU visited Malibu the Waves haven't been close in any of their conference games.
There will be a victor tonight, that much is assured. The winner will advance to play BYU, a team both these squads have shown the ability to either beat or come within a basket of beating. That's unlikely though as the Cougars feel they are an NCAA Tournament team and need to prove that here in Vegas. The real victory comes for both teams next season. These young squads made it through the season and avoided the opening round game. Now they get some experience here in Vegas. That's a good foundation to build upon.
Approx. 8:30 PM PST (30 minutes after USF vs. LMU)
#6 San Diego Toreros vs. #7 Pepperdine Waves
Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pepperdine is 12-17 on the season, 4-12 in WCC play and currently on a four game losing streak.
San Diego is 14-17 on the season, 7-9 in WCC play and currently on a one game winning streak.
San Diego swept the season series 2-0.
TV: BYUtv.
Radio: XX 1090 AM in San Diego.
Satellite Radio: Sirius 110 and XM 193.
Online: Live video from WCC Digital, live audio from 1090 AM and Pepperdine Athletics.
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