Pepperdine women's basketball secured a thrilling 71-68 victory over UC Davis, clinching their first postseason win in Malibu during the opening round of the Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT). Taija Sta. Maria hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer to seal the game after a back-and-forth battle that featured 15 lead changes. The Waves were led by Elli Guiney's career-high 27 points and strong team efforts in rebounding and shooting, overcoming a late rally by the Aggies to triumph.

By the Numbers
  • Elli Guiney scored a career-high 27 points, her ninth game with 20+ points this season.
  • Taija Sta. Maria added 13 points, including the game-winner at the buzzer.
  • Bella Green grabbed 15 rebounds, leading the Waves in that category.
  • Pepperdine's shooting percentage was .400 compared to UC Davis's .410.
  • Guiney made six three-pointers, bringing her season total to 68, ranking second all-time for the Waves.
State of Play
  • Pepperdine advances to face Southern Utah in the second round of the WNIT on Sunday.
  • This was the first postseason game and win for the Waves in Firestone Fieldhouse.
  • After a rocky third quarter, the Waves regained momentum to pull off the victory.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Pepperdine aims to build on their success against Southern Utah, with hopes to continue their postseason run and capitalize on their home-court advantage.

Bottom Line

Pepperdine's buzzer-beater victory not only marks a significant moment in their program history but also sets a positive tone for their future games. The Waves have demonstrated resilience and skill, making them a team to watch in the ongoing WNIT tournament.