FRESNO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum before conference play begins will meet Saturday when the Pepperdine Waves visit the Fresno State Bulldogs in a nonconference women’s basketball game at Save Mart Center. Pepperdine (5-2) enters on a high note after a 69-58 home victory over California Baptist on Wednesday. The Waves have shown a potent offense at times, averaging 76.3 points in their five wins, but have been held to an average of 54 points in their two losses. A key catalyst for the Waves is guard Shorna Preston, who is coming off a season-high 21-point performance against California Baptist. Over her last seven games, Preston has averaged 9.7 points, 2.1 assists and 1.7 blocks, providing versatility on both ends of the floor. Fresno State (4-3) has won its last two contests, most recently a 61-48 home win over Louisiana-Lafayette on Nov. 29. The Bulldogs’ season has been defined by stark contrasts; they are 4-0 at home, outscoring opponents by an average of 22 points, but 0-3 on the road, where they have lost by an average margin of 19.3 points. The Bulldogs are led by guard Emilia Long, who is averaging 15.0 points and 5.3 assists in her last three games. She posted a standout line of 22 points, three rebounds and five assists in the win over Louisiana-Lafayette. Forward Hedda Koehne adds an interior presence, grabbing 14 rebounds in that same game. Historically, Fresno State holds a 10-4 advantage in the series, though the teams have not met since 2017. The Bulldogs’ perfect home record this season will be tested by a Pepperdine squad seeking its first true road win after a loss at Southern California on Nov. 28. Saturday’s contest is the final nonconference home game for Fresno State before Mountain West play begins in January. Pepperdine continues its stretch of road games before returning home to face Cal State LA on Dec. 13. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. PST.