MALIBU, Calif. (December 14, 2024) – Northern Arizona Basketball (7-4, 0-0 Big Sky) fell to the Pepperdine Waves (5-6, 0-0 WCC) in California on Saturday afternoon, finishing with an 86-76 score. Pepperdine jumped out to an early 6-0 run within the first three minutes of play, taking the lead to 12-6.
The Waves' Stefan Todorovic capped the run with a three-pointer off the fast break, creating early momentum. Although Northern Arizona fought to narrow the gap, as all five starters, including Oakland Fort, Carson Towt, Ryan Abelman, Trent McLaughlin, and Jayden Jackson, contributed, the Jacks found themselves trailing.
Jayden Jackson's layup cut the Jacks' eight-point deficit, eventually tying the game at 23-23. With just 11 seconds to go before halftime, McLaughlin sunk a step-back three-pointer to send the Jacks to the locker room trailing by two at 44-42.
NAU had impressive stats at halftime, shooting 50 percent from the field and hitting 7-of-14 from beyond the arc. McLaughlin excelled with 19 points, leading the Jacks, and Towt supported with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Into the second half, Zion Bethea's early three-pointer extended the Waves' lead to seven at 53-46. Not to be outdone, the Jacks fought back—Monty Bowser hit back-to-back baskets, quickly narrowing the gap. Fort's three-pointer then put NAU up 54-53 with 14:58 left to play.
Nonetheless, Pepperdine quickly regained control of the game, entering the bonus with ten minutes remaining. Moe Odum, who scored three points from beyond the arc, sparked the Waves' momentum. Despite NAU's efforts, they found themselves outscored 24-17 during the closing minutes.
Pepperdine maintained their lead, with the game concluding at 86-76. McLaughlin's season-high 26 points was the highlight for NAU, alongside Towt's remarkable double-double: 16 points and 16 rebounds. Bowser also contributed with 12 points, shooting 3-5 from three-point range.
Looking to the upcoming schedule, the Jacks will head to Cedar City next Saturday to face the Southern Utah Thunderbirds before breaking for the holidays. They'll return on December 30 to host Benedictine Mesa.
Both teams showcased impressive shooting percentages, with Pepperdine hitting 54 percent from the field and 54 percent from beyond the arc, compared to NAU's 42 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point attempts. Interestingly, the Jacks won the rebounding battle 37-33, but the Waves significantly outscored the opposition 44-30 in the paint.
Throughout the game, the Pepperdine community honored first responders who fought the recent Franklin Fire. Members from the Pepperdine Fire Department, CalFire, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Pepperdine Department of Public Safety received standing ovations for their service to the Malibu community.
Bottom line, Northern Arizona must refine their shooting consistency and defense as they enter some pivotal games, underscoring the importance of these performances for the rest of their season.
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