Fort Lewis presented a greater challenge to the Waves. The Skyhawks did just enough to stay within strking distance for most of the game before falling, 80-68.

Cal Baptist's visit was emotional for the Waves, as they welcomed back Terrance Johnson, a stalwart on the Pepperdine squad for three years who transferred to CBU this past offseason. Johnson, determined to put on a show for his Pepperdine fans, was the game's leading scorer with 28 points, including several patented three-point rainbows and alley-oop dunks. But he couldn't keep his NAIA team competitive as the Lancers succumbed, 97-60.

In the two victories, the Waves' three stars shined bright.

Glen McGowan was the Waves' leading scorer in the exhibition season, averaging 22 points and 6.5 rebounds. Fellow starting forward Yakhouba Diawara added 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. Guard Alex Acker added to 16.5 points, three rebounds, and three assists per contest.

But the Waves proved that this is not just a three-man show. Robert Turner exploded for 15 points against FLC on a perfect 6-6 shooting night, and his block of his best friend Terrance against Cal Baptist was a highlight. Marvin Lea provided solid defense and leadership from the point guard position. Jesse Pinegar, starting at center, blocked four shots in the two games. Keith Jarbo and Chase Griffin provided the consistency and effort fans learned to expect from them last season.

The Waves also got a glimpse of the future. Freshman centers Jerrad Henry and Russell Hicks combined for 10 points and seven rebounds against Cal Baptist in limited action. Though slowed by a sprained thumb on his non-shooting hand, freshman Kingsley Costain looked very good as the Waves' reserve point guard.

Head Coach Paul Westphal promised improved efforts in defense and rebounding, and the team responded. Their two opponents were held to a combined 39.7% shooting, and the Waves won the rebounding battle handily in both contests.

The games count from now on. The team will spend next week in Raleigh, NC, facing a field that beings with East Carolina and could include host North Carolina State, in a possible rematch of the overtime first-round NCAA tournament game in 1983 that propelled the Wolfpack to one of the most storied national championship runs of all time.