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Pepperdine Faces Gonzaga in Long-Awaited WCC Showdown

1/1/2026

34 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Pepperdine University men's basketball team, the Pepperdine Waves, opens West Coast Conference play against No. 7 Gonzaga Bulldogs on Sunday at 5 p.m. in Malibu.
Gonzaga Bulldogs lead the all-time series 69-31 and own a 49-game streak against Pepperdine.
Pepperdine defeated Rice 84-62 as Aaron Clark scored 25.
Pepperdine will host Saint Mary's on Tuesday, in a game that will be Gonzaga's final conference meeting before moving to the Pac-12.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA established the Division I basketball tournament in 1982, marking a pivotal moment in college athletics. Since 1995, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have made 20 tournament appearances, showcasing their dominance in the West Coast Conference, including a remarkable 49-game winning streak against Pepperdine. As Gonzaga transitions to the Pac-12, the shift will significantly impact rivalries and the future of college basketball.

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Story summary

Pepperdine University men's basketball team, the Pepperdine Waves, opens West Coast Conference play against No. 7 Gonzaga Bulldogs on Sunday at 5 p.m. in Malibu.
Gonzaga Bulldogs lead the all-time series 69-31 and own a 49-game streak against Pepperdine.
Pepperdine defeated Rice 84-62 as Aaron Clark scored 25.
Pepperdine will host Saint Mary's on Tuesday, in a game that will be Gonzaga's final conference meeting before moving to the Pac-12.

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