MALIBU, Calif. — In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, Pepperdine emerged victorious against San Diego with a final score of 88-81. Stefan Todorovic was a standout player for the Waves, contributing 24 points to the win along with five rebounds, boosting Pepperdine’s record to 10-16 overall and 4-9 in the West Coast Conference.
Zion Bethea also made a significant impact, scoring 17 points while hitting 6 of 11 shots, including an impressive 5 of 8 from three-point range. He complemented his scoring with eight rebounds. Dovydas Butka added to the effort by contributing 12 points, achieving 3 of 5 shooting from the floor, and going 5 of 9 from the charity stripe, alongside six rebounds and five assists.
For the Toreros, who now have a record of 4-23 and 1-13 in the conference, Steven Jamerson II led the team with 24 points and nine rebounds. Tony Duckett followed closely with 16 points, while Deven Dahlke chipped in 15 points along with five assists and three steals. Unfortunately for San Diego, this marks their 13th consecutive loss, which ties them with Colorado for the fifth-longest active losing streak in the nation.
Pepperdine seized control of the game nearing the nine-minute mark of the first half and maintained that advantage. By halftime, they led San Diego 44-39, with Bethea contributing 12 points. In the second half, Pepperdine expanded their lead from four points to a dominant 16-point advantage, executing a 12-0 run to take command at 57-41 with 15:38 remaining in the game. Todorovic was pivotal in the second half, adding 13 points to secure the victory.
The two teams will continue their seasons on Saturday, with Pepperdine set to face Gonzaga on the road, while San Diego will host San Francisco at home.
