San Diego's trip to Firestone Fieldhouse on Tuesday night turned out to be a thrilling encounter, as the Toreros edged out Pepperdine 92-88. The game was marked by outstanding individual performances, with Aaron Clark leading the Waves with 31 points and Assane Diop dominating for San Diego with 21 points and 17 rebounds. The Toreros' victory was predicted by CHD Scout, who had San Diego winning by a slim 1.1-point margin, and although the actual scoreline differed significantly from the predicted 73-75, the forecast of a San Diego win proved accurate.
The first half saw Pepperdine take a 38-33 lead into the break, with Clark's 15 points pacing the Waves. However, San Diego regrouped and came out strong in the second half, with Diop and Toneari Lane combining for 27 points to propel the Toreros to a 42-37 advantage in the period. The Waves refused to back down, though, and the game remained tightly contested until the final whistle. Styles Phipps and Danilo Dožic provided valuable support for Pepperdine, with Phipps tallying 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, and Dožic adding 17 points and 8 rebounds.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
San Diego's win was fueled by a balanced attack, with Diop's double-double leading the way. Lane chipped in with 21 points, while Ty-Laur Johnson contributed 16 points and 6 assists. The Toreros' ability to withstand Pepperdine's strong offensive showing and emerge victorious on the road is a reflection of their resilience and determination.
The outcome of this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. As a Quadrant 4 game for both San Diego and Pepperdine, the result will be factored into their respective NET rankings. San Diego, currently sitting at 209 in the NET rankings, want to build on this win to improve their tournament chances. With a record of 10-13, the Toreros still have work to do, but this victory demonstrates their potential to compete against teams from higher quadrants.
In contrast, Pepperdine's loss drops them to 6-17, and with a NET ranking of 273, their tournament hopes appear slim. Despite the valiant effort from Clark and his teammates, the Waves were unable to capitalize on their home-court advantage and secure a much-needed win. As the season progresses, Pepperdine must string together a series of victories to revitalize their tournament aspirations.
Ultimately, San Diego's 92-88 win over Pepperdine serves as a boost to their tournament resume, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure and overcome adversity. With the Toreros' NET ranking and tournament chances hanging in the balance, this victory is a crucial step in the right direction, and they want to carry this momentum forward as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.