Lions and Waves Clash in Key WCC Matchup Tuesday Night

MALIBU, Calif. — The Loyola Marymount Lions (14-10, 6-6 WCC) are set to face off against the Pepperdine Waves (9-15, 3-8 WCC) in a West Coast Conference showdown at Firestone Fieldhouse on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. The game is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Loyola Marymount comes into the contest after a hard-fought home loss against San Francisco, falling 72-66. Will Johnston and Alex Merkviladze each contributed 14 points in the defeat, with Merkviladze adding 11 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Pepperdine is looking to bounce back after losing a nail-biter to Washington State, 87-86. Stefan Todorovic erupted for 30 points, alongside Dovydas Butka, who scored 19 points on an efficient shooting night.

This matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for a better position in the WCC standings. Loyola Marymount comes in averaging 70.3 points per game, ranking 279th in the NCAA, while allowing 69.8 points, placing them 121st. In contrast, Pepperdine scores 72.8 points each game, ranked 224th, but surrenders 73.9 points, ranking 250th.

At home, the Lions have been more effective offensively, averaging 74.2 points, a stark contrast to their road performance of 62.4 points per game. Pepperdine also shows a disparity, scoring an average of 75.8 points at home compared to 70.2 on the road.

Defensively, Loyola Marymount allows just 3.1 fewer points per game than Pepperdine, with both teams struggling to limit opponents from beyond the arc.

The last ten games have seen Loyola Marymount slightly decline in scoring, averaging 69.8 points, while Pepperdine has put up an average of 69.4 points. The effectiveness of both teams will be put to the test on Tuesday as they both seek redemption and momentum.

Expectations are high for the leading scorers on both squads. Johnston leads the Lions with a steady offensive presence, while Todorovic is a dynamic threat for the Waves.

As both teams prepare for this must-win game, fans can anticipate an exciting matchup in Malibu. Tickets are available for those looking to catch the action live.