Full Breakdown
Pepperdine Waves Prepare for Acrisure Series Matchup Against Fresno State
11/26/2025, 2:47:39 PM
Overview of the Upcoming Game
Pepperdine men's basketball team, currently holding a record of 3-3, is set to compete against Fresno State (5-2) in the Acrisure Series at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. The game is scheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. This matchup represents the Waves' only neutral site game of the regular season.
Recent Performance and Key Players
In their last outing, the Waves faced a narrow defeat, losing 63-60 to Stephen F. Austin. Aaron Clark delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 30 points, which accounted for half of the team's total points. Clark's shooting was notably efficient, hitting 9 of 12 attempts from the field, including 5 of 6 from three-point range. He currently leads the Waves with an average of 16.3 points per game and ranks third in the West Coast Conference (WCC) with 11 steals this season.
Other significant contributors include Danilo Dozic, who averages 13.8 points per game, and Javon Cooley, the team's leading rebounder with 6.3 boards per game. The Waves have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, ranking fourth in the WCC with an average of 82.5 points per game and excelling in free-throw shooting, having converted 38 of 42 attempts over their last two games.
Series History and Context
The historical matchup between Pepperdine and Fresno State has been competitive, with the Bulldogs leading the all-time series 16-15. The last encounter occurred in November 2021, where Fresno State emerged victorious with a score of 70-63. The Bulldogs have won four of the last five meetings, indicating a challenging matchup for the Waves.
Fresno State, selected 11th in the Preseason Mountain West Poll, features key players such as Jake Heldbreder and Zaon Collins, both averaging over 15 points per game. Heldbreder leads the team with 19 points per game, while Collins contributes 15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
Implications of the Game
This game is crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their standings early in the season. For Pepperdine, a victory would not only enhance their record but also provide momentum as they prepare for their next game against Cal State Fullerton on Saturday. The Waves have a storied history in NCAA basketball, with 13 postseason appearances and multiple championships, making this matchup significant in their pursuit of further success.
Official Statements & Responses
Pepperdine's coaching staff has emphasized the importance of this game in building team chemistry and improving their performance following recent setbacks. The players are focused on executing their game plan effectively against a formidable opponent in Fresno State.
What's Next
Following the Acrisure Series, the Waves will continue their road trip with a game against Cal State Fullerton, scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. on ESPN+. This upcoming series of games will be pivotal for the Waves as they aim to establish a strong foothold in the season.
