Pepperdine, Portland Meet in Pivotal WCC Women’s Basketball Clash PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — Two teams jockeying for position in the West Coast Conference standings will meet Thursday when the Portland Pilots host the Pepperdine Waves in a women’s basketball matchup at Chiles Center. The game, scheduled for Feb. 26, 2026, features teams with nearly identical records. Pepperdine (17-11 overall) enters with a slight edge over Portland (16-12) in what will be the second meeting between the programs this season. The Waves won the first contest decisively, 86-68, at home on Jan. 24. Pepperdine arrives riding a two-game winning streak after victories over San Diego and Santa Clara. The Waves’ offense is powered by guard Taija Sta Maria, who is coming off a double-double performance with 10 points and 10 assists against Santa Clara on Feb. 21. Over her last seven games, Sta Maria has averaged 9.4 points and 4.6 assists, serving as a key facilitator. Portland snapped a two-game skid with a gritty 65-61 road win at Seattle on Feb. 21. The Pilots have been led by the consistent play of Lainey Spear, who posted 15 points and eight rebounds in that victory. Spear has scored in double figures in three of her last five outings, including a 20-point effort against Santa Clara on Feb. 14. Both teams have shown resilience in close games this season but have followed different recent trajectories. Pepperdine has won four of its last six, while Portland has split its last six contests. The rematch carries implications for seeding in the upcoming WCC tournament. Pepperdine will look to complete the regular-season sweep and solidify its standing, while the Pilots aim to defend their home court and avenge January’s loss. Following this game, Pepperdine will travel to face Seattle on Feb. 28. Portland will remain at home to host Gonzaga on the same date.