Preview

MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — The Abilene Christian Wildcats, coming off an offensive explosion, will visit the Pepperdine Waves in a non-conference men’s basketball game on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Firestone Fieldhouse. Abilene Christian (5-3) is looking to build momentum after a dominant 87-55 victory over Jarvis Christian last Friday. Bradyn Hubbard led the way with 25 points and five assists, while Zy Wright added 17 points. The Wildcats have shown a Jekyll-and-Hyde tendency, however, suffering a 92-58 loss to William & Mary just three days prior to their latest win. Pepperdine (3-5) seeks to halt a three-game skid, most recently falling 83-69 on the road to Cal State Fullerton. Styles Phipps, Javon Cooley and Luka Vudragovic each scored in double figures for the Waves in the loss. Pepperdine’s season has been marked by close calls, including an overtime loss to Northern Colorado and a three-point defeat to Stephen F. Austin. The matchup pits Abilene Christian’s more potent offense, which has scored 80 or more points in four games, against a Pepperdine team that has struggled to find consistent scoring outside of its season-opening homestand. The Wildcats will rely on the hot hand of Hubbard, while the Waves hope their home court at Firestone Fieldhouse can provide a spark to reverse their recent fortunes.