MALIBU, Calif. – The annual tradition to kick off college basketball season was featured on Friday night as Pepperdine students, families and fans packed Firestone Fieldhouse for Blue & Orange Madness during Pepperdine's Waves Weekend.
One of the highlights of the night came during the Halfcourt Shot for a year's worth of tuition, sponsored by Pepperdine's Office of the President. One lucky student and parent got an attempt at the shot, but narrowly missed. The chance at luck was not over, though, and President Jim Gash himself walked out to halfcourt to give a shot at it.
Check out that shot here:
And another angle here:
After fans were treated to the national anthem being performed by Pepperdine a capella group Won by One, the men's and women's basketball teams were introduced.
And it featured some hilarious and timely moments from both teams.
There was then a series of skills competitions and games, including the 'Shooting Stars' competition where a pair of Pepperdine students paired up with one men's and one women's hooper on each side with the winning team needing to sink a halfcourt shot for the victory.
The men's basketball squad hit the floor next for the annual dunk competition, where
Michael Ajayi took home the coveted bragging rights. The judges for the competition included five-time NBA All-Star Reggie Miller, head women's basketball coach Kelsey Keizer and Pepperdine Waves mascot Willie T. Wave.
Blue & Orange Madness show then closed with amazing performances by Pepperdine cheer team, step team and RND dance team. All fans finished by joining the Waves on the floor for the Cupid Shuffle and more fun before heading home for the night.
Pepperdine men's basketball begins the 2023-24 season on November 6 in Malibu against Concordia Irvine, and it will be Military Appreciation Night. The women's team opens the season on November 7 at home against UC Irvine.
Gallery: (10-6-2023) 2023 Blue and Orange Madness
