Preview: Seattle Redhawks at Pepperdine Waves

MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — The Pepperdine Waves, looking to solidify a winning season record, will host the struggling Seattle Redhawks in a women’s NCAA basketball matchup on Thursday, Jan. 29, at Firestone Fieldhouse.

Pepperdine (12-9) enters the contest following an 86-68 home victory over Portland on Saturday, a game in which guard Lina Falk scored 25 points. The Waves have won three of their last five games.

Seattle (5-14) seeks to halt a three-game skid, most recently a 67-53 home loss to Saint Mary’s on Saturday. The Redhawks have lost 10 of their last 11 games, with their sole win in that stretch coming against San Diego on Jan. 8.

The game features a compelling backcourt duel between two of the conference’s top scorers. Seattle’s offense runs through junior guard Ella Brubaker, who is averaging 17.1 points per game over her last seven contests. She poured in a game-high 26 points in the loss to Saint Mary’s.

She will be countered by Pepperdine’s Falk, a dynamic guard who has averaged 16.3 points over her last three outings, including the 25-point performance against Portland. Falk’s backcourt mate, Elli Guiney, is also coming off a strong all-around game with 18 points, four assists and three blocks.

For Seattle to pull an upset on the road, they will need more consistent support for Brubaker. Guards Jana Vesic and Tamia Stricklin, who combined for 21 points against Saint Mary’s, are key secondary options.

Pepperdine holds a distinct advantage in record and recent form. The Waves’ defense, which forced 18 turnovers against Portland, will look to pressure a Seattle team that has been held under 60 points in five of its last six games.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the teams this season. They are slated to meet again in Seattle on Saturday, Feb. 28.

Up Next: Seattle visits Loyola Marymount on Saturday, Jan. 31. Pepperdine travels to face Santa Clara on Saturday, Jan. 31.