Box Score MALIBU, Calif. – Winning back-to-back games for the first time since late December, the Pacific women's basketball team (8-10, 6-9) notched their first sweep of conference play with a 73-64 victory over Pepperdine (4-15, 1-14) on Thursday evening.
 
With the win, the Tigers also notched their first regular season sweep of the Waves since 2017-2018.
 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• Kickstarting the scoring, sophomore Sam Ashby notched the first points for either team by putting the Tigers on top 3-0 with an early triple at 7:59 in the first quarter.
• Finding their groove through the opening minutes of the contest, senior Lianna Tillman helped the Tigers double up the Waves early on a layup at 4:58, extending Pacific's lead to 12-6. 
• Despite a quick run from Pepperdine to close the quarter, UOP remained out in front at the end of one, 14-13.
• Trading baskets throughout the entire second period, the Tigers and Waves continued to battle as halftime approached. 
• Following a four-point play from Ashby with 55 seconds remaining in the half, Pacific and Pepperdine were tied at intermission, all even at 28.
• Aiming to separate themselves, the Tigers would use a 13-7 run to open the third quarter as UOP jumped back on top of the Waves, 41-35 on a layup from redshirt senior Valerie Higgins at the 6:02 mark.
• With Pepperdine looking to defend their home floor, Pacific remained focused on the task at hand, keeping their advantage on a made three from Tillman with just one second left on the clock. At the end of three, UOP led the Waves, 53-45.
• Extending their lead to double digits, Higgins would sink a pair of free throws just 13 seconds into the fourth quarter, as the score remained in favor of the Tigers, 55-45.
• Coming alive down the stretch, Pacific enjoyed their largest lead of the night (14) on a layup from sophomore Cassidy Johnson with 1:36 left in regulation.
• Although the Waves converted on a few field goals in the closing seconds, the Tigers would hang on to secure their second consecutive victory and the season sweep, 73-64.

 
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• Higgins was tabbed the Hardworking Player of the Game after notching her eighth double-double of the season with 14 points, 15 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks. Overall, the 6'1" guard also finished an impressive 6-6 from the free throw line. On the season, she has converted 96-of-111 from the stripe, good for 86.5 percent.
• Putting forth a total team effort, Johnson (13), Tillman (12) and Ashby (11) all scored in double figures for Pacific as well. For Johnson, her 13 points also marked a season-high.
• As a team, the Tigers dominated the Waves in most categories, leading Pepperdine in points in the paint (38-32), points off turnovers (16-8), second chance points (12-5) and bench points (27-24).

 
UP NEXT:
Pacific will continue their final road trip of the season with their second of three games on Saturday, Feb. 20 when they travel to Los Angeles to face LMU. Tip-off from Gersten Pavilion is set for 6:00 pm PST. Live stream, live stat and radio links will be available via pacifictigers.com.
 
FOLLOW US:
For more updates and more information on the 2020-21 Pacific women's basketball team, be sure to follow @Pacific_Hoops on Twitter, @pacificwbb on Instagram and @PacificWomensBasketball on Facebook.