Full Breakdown
Pepperdine Waves Prepare to Face Gonzaga Bulldogs in WCC Opener
1/1/2026, 11:38:15 AM
Upcoming Matchup Details
Pepperdine men's basketball (5-8) is set to open its West Coast Conference (WCC) schedule against the No. 7 Gonzaga Bulldogs (12-1) on Sunday at 5 p.m. at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, California. This game marks the final meeting between the two programs as Gonzaga prepares to transition to the PAC-12 Conference in the 2026-27 season. Limited tickets are still available for purchase.
Recent Performance
In their last outing, the Waves secured a decisive 84-62 victory over Rice on December 20. Aaron Clark led the team with 25 points, shooting 4-for-6 from three-point range, while the Waves achieved a season-high shooting percentage of 54.2% from beyond the arc. The team has demonstrated strong free throw performance, currently ranking 14th nationally with a .784 percentage, and has converted 192 of 245 attempts this season.
Key Player Contributions
Several players have been pivotal for Pepperdine this season. Styles Phipps stands out as the only player in the WCC to achieve both a points/rebounds double-double and a points/assists double-double. He averages 11.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Javon Cooley, the second leading scorer for the Waves at 13.9 points per game, has shown impressive form, averaging 16.3 points over his last three games. Aaron Clark also contributes significantly, ranking 11th in the WCC with an average of 14.5 points per game.
Series History and Context
Historically, Gonzaga has dominated the series against Pepperdine, holding a 69-31 advantage. The Bulldogs are currently on a 49-game winning streak against the Waves, with their last loss to Pepperdine occurring on January 18, 2002. Gonzaga has won 22 consecutive games at Firestone Fieldhouse.
Scouting Gonzaga
The Gonzaga Bulldogs enter this matchup with a strong 12-1 record, having achieved notable victories over ranked teams such as No. 23 Creighton and No. 8 Alabama. Their only loss this season came against No. 2 Michigan. Key players for Gonzaga include Braden Huff and Graham Ike, who rank first and fifth in scoring within the WCC, averaging 19.1 and 17.0 points per game, respectively.
Looking Ahead
Following the game against Gonzaga, Pepperdine will host Saint Mary's on Tuesday at 6 p.m. This matchup will be broadcast on ESPN+, continuing the Waves' WCC schedule.
For more information on ticket packages and to stay updated on Pepperdine men's basketball news, fans are encouraged to follow the team on social media @PepperdineMBB.
