DEREK SEDAM
Staff Writer
The shot clock was spent and so were the Pepperdine fans, but the Waves controlled the clock and came out on top.
The Waves used every second of their possesions to slow the game down to disrupt the Portland Pilots in an exciting, yet challenging 50-48 overtime victory in the first round of the West Coast Conference tournament at the University of San Diego.
Freshman forward Tyrone Shelly, back fully healthy, continued his stellar play with 21 points, including the four in overtime to seal the deal. His dramatic bucket and two free throws in OT made the Waves’ season one day longer as they will face No.-3 seed USD Saturday night.
Freshman Malcolm Thomas, usually a staple in the Waves’ offense, only recorded five points, but grabbed 10 boards and controlled the Pilot paint with five blocks.
The Waves only dressed nine players after junior guard Rico Tucker tore his ACL against the Toreros Mar. 1. Tucker is expected to be out at least six months with the knee injury.
The University of San Fransisco beat Loyola Marymount in the first game to play Santa Clara in the other quarter final match-up Saturday.
The Graphic will have entire WCC Tournament coverage in the next issue.
03-08-2008