FULLERTON, Calif. (Interstat) — The Pepperdine Waves opened their season with a decisive 84-70 victory over the Cal State Fullerton Titans in a non-conference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at Titan Gymnasium.

Pepperdine seized control of the contest from the opening tip, building a commanding 19-point lead in the first quarter and never looking back. The Waves’ offense was firing on all cylinders, particularly in the first half where they built a 47-31 lead at the break. A strong third-quarter push from the Titans made the game competitive, but the Waves’ early dominance proved insurmountable.

The Waves established their authority immediately, opening the game on a 14-2 run. Elli Guiney scored the first points of the season on a layup just 24 seconds into the game, setting the tone for the night. Pepperdine’s stifling defense held the Titans to just 10 points in the first quarter while their own offense was efficient and balanced.

Cal State Fullerton found its rhythm after halftime, outscoring Pepperdine 28-18 in the third quarter. The Titans chipped away at the deficit, cutting the Waves’ lead to single digits at several points behind a strong inside presence and capitalized on Pepperdine turnovers. However, the Waves regrouped in the final period, tightening their defense and holding Fullerton to just 11 points in the fourth quarter to secure the season-opening win.

Pepperdine’s victory was a collective effort, with six players scoring at least nine points. Ivory Finley led the Waves with 17 points, adding five rebounds and two assists. Elli Guiney provided 14 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Meghan Fiso was a force on both ends with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Seleh Harmon contributed 15 points off the bench, and point guard Taija Sta. Maria directed the offense with a game-high seven assists.

For Cal State Fullerton, Nicole Steiner recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes of action. Maxine Sutisna was also a key contributor, scoring 15 points and grabbing five rebounds. Jana Falsdottir added 10 points for the Titans.

Statistically, Pepperdine’s efficiency was key. The Waves scored 30 points in the paint and converted 20 points off Titan turnovers. Cal State Fullerton managed 26 points in the paint and scored 24 points off Waves turnovers, but their third-quarter surge was not enough to overcome the slow start.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 336 at Titan Gymnasium. With the win, Pepperdine begins its season 1-0, while Cal State Fullerton starts 0-1. According to Interstat’s ELO system, the Titans had been projected with a 57.10 percent probability to win the contest.

Pepperdine will look to build on this momentum in its home opener against Westmont on Saturday, Nov. 8. Cal State Fullerton will seek its first win when it hosts Cleveland State on Sunday, Nov. 9.