WCC Basketball power rankings: Pacific, Santa Clara gain surprising wins

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 12: The Saint Mary's Gaels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs play in the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 12, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gaels defeated the Bulldogs 60-47. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

STOCKTON, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Jahlil Tripp #0 of the University Of The Pacific Tigers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

7. Pepperdine Waves (8-9, 1-2) NET: 152

Coach Lorenzo Romar’s team played well in the first two weeks of conference play but only came away with one victory. Pepperdine opened with a 59-56 loss at home to Pacific.

The Waves then got attention when they gave Gonzaga everything they could handle in Spokane and led 53-51 with twelve minutes left. The Zags won 75-70. Pepperdine got their first win in the conference at San Diego 85-78.

Pepperdine has four players averaging in double figures led by junior Colbey Ross at 19.9 ppg with 7.4 apg. Ross is followed by Kameron Edwards (16.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Kessler Edwards (14.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg), and Skylar Chavez (10.8 ppg). Meanwhile, starting guard Jade’ Smith has been out with injury since Dec. 6.

Pepperdine’s defense has improved since the start of the new calendar year. The Waves should beat LMU at home Thursday. Then Pepperdine will then be upset-minded when Saint Mary’s visits on Saturday.

6. Pacific Tigers (14-5, 2-1) NET: 131

Coach Damon Stoudamire’s club has got things going with their epic 107-99 four-overtime win at home over Saint Mary’s. The Tigers also defeated Pepperdine on the road and came back to lose narrowly to San Francisco at home 79-75.

Senior Jahlil Tripp received attention from the national media with his game against Saint Mary’s. He scored 39 points to go along with 11 rebounds and three assists, before fouling out after 52 minutes of playing time. He is averaging 14.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg in the Tigers’ slow-down offense.

Pacific will try to regain momentum while traveling to Portland and Santa Clara this week.