MALIBU, Calif. -- The Pepperdine women’s basketball team ended its eight-game losing streak by exploding for 61 points in the second half in an 80-67 win over Saint Mary’s on Thursday night in a West Coast Conference game at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The Waves (6-10, 1-2 WCC) trailed the Gaels (9-9, 1-1) at the half, 29-19, after being held to 28.6% shooting from the field and committing 14 turnovers. They responded by shooting a blistering 65.8% in the second half to claim their first victory since their last home game, a 68-64 win over Cal State Fullerton on Dec. 7 in Malibu. The Gaels were limited to 38.8% shooting for the game while the Waves finished at 50%.

“Praise be to God for the win,” Pepperdine Coach Julie Rousseau. “We were down by 10 at the half, but I told the team they were a resilient team and they came out fired up in the second half. Shannon being back was a big help, she’s a smart and valuable player. It was a team effort tonight. It’s a good feeling to win but it’s going to be a short victory because we have to get ready for Santa Clara on Saturday.”

Teiosha George (Palmdale, Calif./Palmdale HS) recorded her second double-double of the season and scored a season-high 18 points while chipping in 11 rebounds, Daphanie Kennedy (Oakland, Calif./Kearny HS) finished with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting and Katie Menton (Yosemite, Calif./Yosemite HS) scored a career-high 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting.

 “It feels good to win,” George said. “it was definitely a team effort offensively and defensively. It’s been hard to pick ourselves up, but it felt good to be home and our fans and the atmosphere helped out a lot.”

The Gaels had three players score in double figures, as Jontelle Smith notched a team-high 18 points, Serena Benavente registered 15 points and seven rebounds and Lauren Shaughnessy recorded 10 points.

Up next, the Waves host Santa Clara on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. at Firestone Fieldhouse.