Khalif Battle leads Gonzaga to thrilling 89-82 win over Pepperdine

In Malibu, California, on January 1, 2025, Gonzaga University secured a significant victory against Pepperdine University in their first West Coast Conference game of the season. The match concluded with a score of 89 to 82, showcasing Gonzaga's strong offensive capabilities led by Khalif Battle. Battle's performance was pivotal, as he scored 21 points, providing the Bulldogs a solid foundation throughout the game. Additionally, Braden Huff contributed notably with 19 points, achieving an impressive 9-of-10 shooting record. The game began with Gonzaga establishing dominance in the first half, leading 50-32 at the break. This advantage was aided by Pepperdine's early struggles, including committing 11 turnovers, which significantly hampered their performance. Despite the Waves' efforts to recover in the second half, outscoring Gonzaga 50-38, the Bulldogs kept their composure, responding well whenever their lead was threatened. A crucial moment in the final minutes occurred when Gonzaga managed to rally and outscore Pepperdine to secure their victory, emphasizing their resilience. Gonzaga's ability to maintain an unbeaten home record added to their impressive statistics, with five consecutive home wins. The Bulldogs currently average 87.3 points per game and have consistently outperformed their opponents by an average of 17.3 points. This solid beginning in the conference matches positions Gonzaga favorably as they continue the season. The next challenge for Gonzaga will be against the Portland Pilots, further underscoring the importance of maintaining momentum early in the conference schedule. On the other side, the loss placed further pressure on Pepperdine, marking their second defeat in conference play this season, dropping their record to 5-10 overall and 0-2 in the West Coast Conference. The Pilots have struggled to find consistency and will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in their next match against Gonzaga.