Preview: Pacific Looks to Sweep Season Series Against Struggling Pepperdine

MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — The Pacific Tigers visit the Pepperdine Waves on Saturday in a West Coast Conference men’s basketball matchup featuring teams on divergent paths.

Pacific (15-10) enters Firestone Fieldhouse seeking to solidify its position in the conference standings and complete a regular-season sweep. The Tigers defeated Pepperdine 74-69 at home on Jan. 4. Pepperdine (6-18) looks to halt a four-game skid and find consistency in a challenging season.

The Tigers have been competitive, alternating wins and losses in their last six games. They are coming off a 71-56 home loss to Santa Clara on Wednesday. Guard TJ Wainwright leads Pacific, averaging 14.6 points over his last seven games. He scored 13 points in the loss to Santa Clara and had a 25-point performance against San Diego on Jan. 10.

Pepperdine’s struggles are underscored by its record, but the Waves have shown flashes. They took Seattle to the wire in an 83-81 road loss on Wednesday. Guard Aaron Clark has been a bright spot, averaging 18.1 points over his last six contests. He erupted for 31 points in an overtime loss to San Diego on Jan. 28 and scored 22 against Seattle.

Pacific’s recent success has been built on defense, holding opponents under 65 points in three of its last five wins. Pepperdine, conversely, has allowed 80 or more points in eight games this season, a vulnerability the Tigers’ offense will look to exploit.

The Waves will need a strong defensive effort to contain Wainwright and Pacific’s backcourt. Clark’s scoring prowess gives Pepperdine a chance at home, where they earned a conference win over Portland last month.

Historically, this series has been tight, and the Waves will aim to avenge January’s narrow defeat. For Pacific, this game represents a critical opportunity to bank a road victory against a lower-tier conference opponent as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon at Firestone Fieldhouse.