The Waves looked like a different team Saturday afternoon at the Firestone Fieldhouse against the Saint Mary’s Gaels.
Intense defense and a fast-paced offense allowed for an action packed first half that was anything but similar to the Waves game against San Diego on Thursday night.
The Waves seemed to half new-found energy as they racked up five steals and only nine first half turnovers. Saint Mary’s was not quite as impressive as they only had four steals and committed 18 turnovers.
The intensity also proved troublesome for the Waves as they put Saint Mary’s in the double bonus only 11 minutes into the game. They struggled to defend the paint allowing St. Mary’s to score 18 points from inside. The Waves also had a difficult time competing against the 52.4 percent shooting average of the Gaels allowing them to keep a consistent ten point lead.
A steal by Jessica Ross late in the first half started a 6-0 run for the Waves bringing them within five at the end of the half with a score of 33-28 Gaels.
Freshman Alex Jarrell had a complete first half leading the Waves in scoring with seven points pulling down five rebounds and one block at halftime.
The second half started with equal offensive intensity the Waves showed in the first with Jessica Ross hitting a three point shot in the Waves second possession.
The half was also marked by frequent drives by Nakeya Isabell who hit layups and also kicked to her teammates for multiple outside jump shots.
Despite frequent steals and many strong offensive possessions the Waves had a difficult time overcoming the Gaels lead for most of the second half.
With 3:52 remaining in the first half the Waves were able to bring the game within two. A jump shot by Alex Jarrell with 2:20 left in the game tied at 54-54.
Saint Mary’s proved dominant in the paint again in the second half outscoring the Waves 14 to ten but Pepperdine found other ways to compete. A three-point basket by Jazmine Jackson put the Waves up by one with 39 seconds left in the game.
Intentional fouling by Saint Mary’s allowed the Waves to increase their lead from the line to 59-56. Nakeya Isabell solidified the Waves lead by making 3 out of 4 free throws with fewer than 10 seconds left in the game edging the Gaels (6-13 2-2) by six 62-56.
The Waves (9-8 2-1) next game is Thursday January 22 at Gonzaga.