Gonzaga travelled down south to Malibu, California, to take on the Pepperdine Waves, in the Zags’ first WCC game of the year.
Pepperdine was already a game in, falling to Santa Clara, in a close one. Their best player, Stefan Todorovic, had emerged himself as one of the best players in the conference, and role players such as Moe Odum and Dovydas Butka had been big pieces. Regardless, they were a below average KenPom team, and picked to finish eighth in the conference according to wcchoops.com.
Gonzaga was in a very different position. The Zags have been consistently known as far and away the best program in the WCC, winning countless titles, and competing deep in the March Madness year after year. This season, early struggles to power five programs brought them down rankings, but were still situated at 18 in the nation.
With Gonzaga being the favorite by 21.5 points on the road, it seemed as if a beating was to come.
However, Pepperdine competed for 40 minutes, and fell just short, 89-82.
For the Zags, Khalif Battle was great, putting up 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, making up for the down game that Ryan Nembhard had. On the interior, three different players had great games. Graham Ike finished with 16 and 9, Braden Huff had 19 and 6, and Ben Gregg put up 12 and 6.
On the Pepperdine side, Jaxon Olvera, a season 8 point per game scorer, broke out with 27. Moe Odum put up 24 and 8 assists, continuing to solidify himself as one of the best passers in the conference. Their star, Stefan Todorovic was good too, putting up 16 and 6.
The biggest issue for Gonzaga, is the fact that they struggled heavily to a not great Pepperdine squad.
Obviously, the Zags are the best program in the WCC, make the most March appearances, have the most WCC titles, have the most talented roster, with the most storied head coach, but it seems as if they can’t seem to put it together. A team that seemed as if they were the best team in the conference by far, and would blowout every team, struggled heavily against a below average team.
If Gonzaga wants to be able to compete, they need to work better as a unit, and keep teams out of close games. If not, teams such as Saint Mary’s, San Francisco, Washington State, and Santa Clara could give them a run for their money in the WCC this season.