Feb. 24, 2007

Box Score

Malibu, Calif. - Senior forward Brett Collins scored a game-high 25 points and junior guard Tron Smith added 23 to lead Saint Mary's to a 97-72 victory over Pepperdine Saturday night at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The loss dropped the Waves to 7-22 overall and 3-10 in West Coast Conference (WCC) play while the Gaels improved to 15-14 on the season and 7-6 in conference action.

Sophomore forward Willie Galick led Pepperdine with 14 points and four rebounds while freshman forward Blake Wallace scored a career-high 13 points.

Saint Mary's controlled the game from the outset as its size proved too much for the undersized Waves. The Gaels held a commanding 43-19 advantage on the boards while limiting Pepperdine to just five offensive rebounds.

Sophomore forward Diamon Simpson also was a presence inside for Saint Mary's as he scored 16 points, grabbed eight rebounds and totaled five blocked shots.

Saint Mary's finished the game shooting 59.0 percent from the field while Pepperdine connected on 41.4 percent of its shots.

Senior guard Chase Griffin scored 12 points while junior center Jarrad Henry equaled a season-high with 10 points, grabbed four rebounds and had two blocks.

Pepperdine will conclude its regular season Monday when hosts Santa Clara at Firestone Fieldhouse beginning at 7 p.m. The contest will mark the final home appearance for seniors Gregg Barlow, Chase Griffin, Shane Griffin and Marvin Lea as well as student trainer Patrick Spurgin.