The game was competitive, giving the Waves a challenge that will benefit the team in future games. Though the Waves led almost the entire game, Ratiopharm did make a run early in the second half and took a brief 56-55 lead. But the Waves responded with a 25-6 run to establish an 18-point cushion, and never looked back.
Though the game won’t count in Turner’s career statistics, his game was memorable and impressive. He shot 9-14 from the field and 5-5 from the free throw line in 32 minutes.
Several other Waves joined the offensive party. Glen McGowan put up a very efficient 18 points on 7-8 shooting; Alex Acker registered 15; Terrance Johnson scored 12 on an array of highlight-reel plays, and Marvin Lea added 10 in his first starting assignment.
Johnson and Shaun Davis connected on multiple alley-oops and fast-break plays, to the delight of the announced crowd of 434.
But the news wasn’t all good for the Waves. Yakhouba Diawara did not play due to some questions about his eligibility. He once toured with an amateur team that played alongside a professional team in Europe, and there is some question about whether he was involved with the pro team in any way. The team is confident he will be eligible for the regular season.
Cody Horning suffered a blow to the head in practice Tuesday, and though he hasn’t been diagnosed with a concussion, he was held out as a precaution. He is fully expected to play in the season opener.
Pepperdine will now prepare for the season opener, Nov. 21 against Dayton.