SAN DIEGO – Behind a dominant fourth quarter effort and a renewed defensive edge, the University of San Diego’s basketball team (7-12, 1-5 WCC) pulled out a 54-51 victory over Pepperdine (10-7, 1-4 WCC) on Saturday afternoon at the Jenny Craig Pavilion for their first conference win.
USD trailed for much of the contest, but an 18-point fourth quarter – its highest scoring period of the game – proved to be the difference as the Toreros closed on a 7-2 run over the final minute.
The Toreros struggled to find an offensive rhythm early, scoring just six points in the opening quarter while Pepperdine jumped out to a 12-6 lead. USD shot 21.4% in the first 10 minutes and went scoreless from beyond the arc, setting the tone for a defensive-minded afternoon on both sides.
San Diego settled in during the second quarter, leaning on free throws and improved ball movement to outscore the Waves 17-15 and cut the deficit to 27-23 at halftime. Hallie Rhodes provided a spark attacking the basket, while Olivia Owens controlled the glass to keep the Toreros within striking distance.
Pepperdine pushed the lead back to 11 in the third quarter, capitalizing on transition opportunities and strong interior scoring from Meghan Fiso (who transferred this year from San Diego State). Despite the surge, USD never let the game get away, closing the quarter down just 44-36.
However, the fourth quarter marked the turning point in the game.
USD shot 58.3% in the final period and locked in defensively, holding Pepperdine to just seven points over the final 10 minutes. Rhodes tied the game with a transition jumper before later giving the Toreros the lead with a clutch three pointer midway through the quarter – only USD’s second made three pointer of the game.
“After the Seattle game, where we didn’t defend at all, being able to come in and really lock in on the defensive end was really important to us,” USD’s head coach Blanche Alverson said.
“When we are at our best, Hallie’s at her best,” Alverson said about Rhodes’ strong game, mentioning that the player can be a ‘defensive captain,’ and that’s how she played against Pepperdine.
From there, the Toreros leaned on stops and composure at the free throw line. Malia Tharpe came off the bench to seal the win with two free throws in the final minute, extending USD’s lead to five and putting the game out of reach for the Waves.
Rhodes led all scorers with 16 points for USD, while Kylie Ray added 14 points despite battling foul trouble. Owens finished with 11 rebounds and five steals, anchoring a defense that forced 16 Pepperdine turnovers and generated timely transition opportunities.
The victory halts a frustrating five-game losing streak.
“I think all of our hard work has come out with a good result, which is nice and a relief,” Tharpe said after the game.
USD looks to carry the momentum into more conference play, facing Gonzaga in Spokane after some good rest on Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. Watch the game on ESPN+.