SHUHEI MATSUO
Staff Writer
The men’s basketball team seems ready to begin the 2005-06 campaign after defeating California Baptist University with a score of 81-66 Saturday. The Waves concluded this year’s pre-season with a 2-0 record.
Unlike the previous game against Biola, the Waves dominated the first half with full of youth and energy. Freshman Willie Galick, who played merely 17 minutes, led the team’s scores with 15 points on six-of-nine shooting.
Joining Galick, two other freshmen Tomas Pranciliauskas and Chris Oakes, and sophomore Kingsley Costain also were part of the early domination. Each of them scored 11 points on four-of-six shooting.
In addition to these young players, another freshman Michael Gerrity also contributed to the team’s early lead with four assists including the impressive between-the-legs back pass in the beginning of the game.
Pepperdine’s size and defensive pressure proved too much for Cal Baptist, who shot just 22.7 percent (5-of-22) from the field, was out-rebounded 25-15 and committed eight turnovers in the first half.
The Waves held the Lancers to 38.9 percent (21-of-54) shooting for the game while connecting on 49.2 percent (31-of 63) their field goal attempts and holding a commanding 42-26 advantage on the boards.
The Waves led 45-24 at halftime and built their biggest lead of the game when senior Tashaan Forehan-Kelly made the second one of two free throws. It gave them a 56-32 lead with 15:20 remaining.
Cal Baptist, however, never gave up the game even with a 24-point deficit. Conducted by guard Junior Denson, who led all scores with 21 points, the Lancers stopped the Waves’ momentum by focusing on the defense and slowly adding points.
Although the Waves’ lead finally became their minimum in the game with 11 points with 6:40 to go, the two consecutive three-point shots by Pranciliauskas brought the momentum back to Pepperdine’s side.
While underclassmen such as Praciliauskas, Galick, Oakes and Costain emitted their youthful vitality by contributing the team’s offense, upperclassmen showed their experienced skills in defense and assists.
Senior Forehan-Kelly had a team-high six rebounds including four defensive ones. Also although another senior, Keith Jarbo, did not score any points, he had a team-leading six assists.
After going 2-0 in its exhibition games, Pepperdine opens its first regular season game against No.-2 University of Connecticut on Friday. The Waves welcome the Huskies to Firestone Fieldhouse and have one of the most exciting season-openers in Pepperdine’s history. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. and will be televised live by ESPNU.
11-17-2005
