MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by momentum swings and a relentless individual performance, the Pepperdine Waves survived a furious second-half rally and a career-high 29 points from Southern Utah’s Ava Uhrich to secure an 85-80 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The Waves, who led by as many as 14 points in the first half, saw their advantage whittled down to a single possession multiple times in the final minutes before finally sealing the win at the free-throw line. The victory improved Pepperdine to 21-12 overall, while Southern Utah fell to 19-13.

The most critical sequence of the contest unfolded in the game’s final 15 seconds. Trailing 83-80 after a deep 3-pointer from Southern Utah’s Brooklyn Fely, Pepperdine inbounded the ball and immediately put it in the hands of Meghan Fiso. Fouled with 13 seconds left, Fiso missed her first free throw but calmly sank the second to push the lead to 84-80.

On the ensuing possession, Southern Utah’s Morgan Trigueiro missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer. Pepperdine’s Ivory Finley grabbed the defensive rebound and was fouled with 3 seconds remaining. Finley made the first free throw to create the final five-point margin, providing the necessary cushion to withstand a last-second heave.

The game’s conclusion was a fitting end to a contest Pepperdine controlled early but could never put away. The Waves exploded out of the gate, leveraging a 26-point first quarter to build a commanding 45-38 halftime lead. Taija Sta. Maria of Toronto was instrumental in the fast start, scoring 10 of her team-high 22 points in the opening period.

Southern Utah, however, refused to capitulate. The Thunderbirds chipped away in the third quarter, primarily through the efforts of Uhrich, a 6-foot sophomore from Burlingame, California. She scored 11 points in the period, showcasing an array of post moves and mid-range jumpers. Her layup with 34 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter brought Southern Utah within 81-80, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

Uhrich’s 29-point effort was complemented by 25 points and five assists from Fely, a junior from Orem, Utah. Their combined 54 points kept the Thunderbirds within striking distance throughout. Sierra Chambers added 10 points for Southern Utah.

Pepperdine countered with a more balanced offensive attack. Alongside Sta. Maria’s 22 points, the Waves received 16 points from Meghan Fiso of Seattle and 13 from Elli Guiney of Goodyear, Arizona. Bella Green, a reserve from Perth, Australia, provided a crucial spark off the bench with 11 points and several key defensive plays, while Ivory Finley of Minneapolis also finished with 11 points.

The Waves dominated the opening quarter, shooting efficiently and forcing early Southern Utah turnovers to build a 26-12 lead. Southern Utah responded with a 26-point second quarter of its own, fueled by Uhrich and Fely, to narrow the gap to seven by halftime.

Pepperdine maintained its lead throughout the third quarter, answering every Southern Utah run. The Waves led 68-60 heading into the final frame. The Thunderbirds’ final push came midway through the fourth, using a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 71-69 with 7:34 to play. Pepperdine responded each time, with Sta. Maria, Fiso, and Green making critical baskets to stem the tide.

The game was a stark contrast to recent form for both teams. Southern Utah entered having lost three of its last four, while Pepperdine had won two straight. A crowd of 352 at the intimate Firestone Fieldhouse witnessed a contest that featured 10 ties and 11 lead changes, with Pepperdine ultimately making the necessary plays in the final minute to secure the win.

Both teams now await potential postseason tournament invitations after concluding their regular season schedules.