MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — In a West Coast Conference clash defined by resilience and a career-defining performance, the San Diego Toreros outlasted the Pepperdine Waves 92-88 in overtime Wednesday night at Firestone Fieldhouse.

Despite a monumental 31-point effort from Pepperdine’s Aaron Clark, the Toreros used a balanced offensive attack and clutch free-throw shooting to secure the road victory in front of an announced crowd of 643. The game, which saw 12 ties and 15 lead changes, required an extra period after the teams finished regulation knotted at 75.

The most critical sequence of the contest unfolded in the final minute of overtime. With San Diego clinging to an 86-83 lead, Pepperdine’s Styles Phipps missed a 3-pointer that would have tied the game. San Diego’s Toneari Lane was fouled on the ensuing rebound and calmly sank both free throws with five seconds remaining, pushing the lead to five and effectively sealing the outcome. Clark managed a layup at the buzzer for the Waves, but it served only as consolation.

San Diego’s victory was anchored by its efficiency from the charity stripe and its ability to answer every Pepperdine surge. The Toreros converted 22 of 25 free throws, an 88% clip, while the Waves struggled, making only 20 of 29. In the overtime period alone, San Diego was a perfect 8 for 8 from the line.

Assane Diop and Toneari Lane each scored 21 points to lead the Toreros, with Diop adding two blocks. Ty-Laur Johnson provided 16 points and six assists, and Adrian McIntyre contributed 14 points off the bench, including several key baskets in the second half and overtime.

Pepperdine was propelled by Clark, a junior from Easton, Pennsylvania, who played 44 minutes and shot 12 of 22 from the field. Styles Phipps added 21 points and a game-high nine assists for the Waves, while Danilo Dozic chipped in 17 points.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Pepperdine taking a 38-33 lead into the break behind 13 points from Clark. The Waves extended their lead to nine points early in the second half before San Diego mounted a sustained comeback, eventually tying the game and setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

Statistically, the game was remarkably even. Both teams had 81 possessions, with San Diego posting an offensive rating of 113.8 to Pepperdine’s 108.9. Each squad grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and made 10 three-pointers. The Toreros won the battle in the paint, 40-34, and on the fast break, 8-2, while also dishing out five assists to Pepperdine’s three.

With the win, San Diego improves to 10-13 overall. Pepperdine falls to 6-17. The Toreros completed a regular-season sweep of the Waves, having won the first meeting 83-63 on Jan. 8.

San Diego next hosts Oregon State on Saturday. Pepperdine travels to face Seattle on Feb. 4.