Short-Handed Pepperdine Falls Short

Missing its tallest player, Pepperdine knew it needed a big effort to stay with West Coast Conference co-leader Santa Clara.

The Waves were successful for 30 minutes at Santa Clara, but foul trouble and defensive breakdowns eventually took their toll as Santa Clara pulled away for a 77-71 victory Friday night in front of 3,195 at Toso Pavilion.

Pepperdine, 9-6 overall and 1-2 in the West Coast Conference, played without starting center omm’A Givens, who served the first of a two-game suspension after fighting with and injuring a teammate in practice Tuesday.

According to sources, Givens punched and broke the jaw of Aaron Butler.

Santa Clara (12-3, 3-0) took command after the 6-8 Hill was benched with 14:14 to play.

San Francisco 85, Loyola Marymount 61--Zerrick Campbell’s game-high 14 points and eight rebounds led San Francisco to an easy West Coast Conference victory at San Francisco.

San Francisco (11-4, 2-1) handed Loyola Marymount (4-11, 0-3) its fourth straight loss. The Dons tied their season high in points even while going scoreless the final four minutes.