Web update: Broncos score 101 in win over Pepperdine
By Ryan Donough
Records fell on Monday night in the Leavey Center, as the Broncos defeated the Pepperdine Waves 101-86.
The Broncos (10-8) improved to 2-1 in conference play while the Waves (6-14) fell to 0-4.
Santa Clara carried the momentum from their victory over Loyola Marymount on Saturday night and led the entire game over the Waves.
Santa Clara had a comfortable lead over the Waves with just under two minutes to play at 91-79 which they never relinquished thanks to strong free throw shooting down the stretch, making all 10 free throws in the final two minutes.
Head Coach Kerry Keating was happy with the win and sees his team becoming more comfortable with the system he is trying to institute here at Santa Clara.
"I think we are starting to get a better understanding of what we are trying to do here and are getting into it more quickly now," Keating said.
Santa Clara set a season high for total points in a game with 101. That point total also marked the first time the Broncos had reached the century mark since the 93'-94' season against CSU Chico season and the first time they scored over 100 against a conference opponent since 90'-91' against Loyola Marymount.
The Broncos also shot an outstanding 67 percent from the field which fell just short of the Leavey Center record for shooting percentage for a Santa Clara team in a game at 68 percent. Santa Clara also made a season high 12 three pointers which capped their victory over Pepperdine.
The Broncos were led by senior guard Brody Angley who had career highs in points and assists with 23 and 13 respectively.
Angley keyed a balanced attack for the Broncos who had five scorers in double figures as Freshman Forward Ben Dowdell followed Angley's performance, scoring 17 points on 100 percent shooting from the field. Angley was most happy with getting the victory.
"I could care less about that stuff(records) just as long as we get the win." Angley said.
The Broncos started the game off on a 9-0 run and pushed their lead to 20 at 38-18 with seven minutes left in the first half thanks to some sharp outside shooting for the Broncos at 70 percent from beyond the three-point line in the first half alone.
The Waves cut the lead to three in the second half after they caught fire, shooting 12 for 25 from the three point line. However, it wasn't enough as the Broncos pulled away for their second conference victory of the season.
Santa Clara continues WCC play on the road Saturday versus San Diego at 7pm. The Broncos next home game will be against Gonzaga, on February 2, at 4 p.m.