MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — Pepperdine pulled away in the second quarter and never trailed again in a 78-62 women’s basketball victory over Washington State on Saturday at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The Waves outscored the Cougars 23-15 in the period to build a 42-26 halftime lead. Washington State, which got as close as 69-66 in the fourth quarter, was undone by 23 turnovers that Pepperdine converted into 33 points.

Shorna Preston led Pepperdine with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Lina Falk scored a game-high 19 points. Charlotte Abraham paced Washington State with 15 points.

Pepperdine improved to 15-9. Washington State fell to 5-21.