MALIBU, Calif. – The Georgetown University women's basketball team used a big second half to defeat the Pepperdine University Waves 59-40 on Friday evening in Malibu, California in the first game of GU's West Coast swing. With the win, the Hoyas improve to 4-1 on the season and the Waves drop to 2-5 for the year.

Interim Head Coach Darnell Haney

• "We just needed to calm down, I think we were a little antsy especially in that first quarter. Once we calmed down and got settled into who we are and what we do, we did a good job. We got out in transition and got some easy baskets which is what we try to do."

How it Happened

• Pepperdine opened the scoring, but five quick points from senior Jada Claude and sophomore Victoria Rivera put the Blue & Gray ahead early in the first quarter.
• It would be a low scoring affair for the first 10 minutes of action as both teams struggled from the floor with the Waves leading 10-7 at the end of the first.
• The Hoyas chipped away at the lead for much of the second stanza, but the Waves led 20-13 with 3:32 to go in the half.
• At that point, senior Kelsey Ransom and Rivera hit two free throws apiece to begin an 8-0 run as a Rivera jumper put the Hoyas on top by one.
• Smothering defense would give GU momentum, but a triple just before the buzzer allowed Pepperdine to lead 25-24 at the half.
• The third quarter belonged to the Hoyas as Ransom sank a 3-pointer just 30 seconds in which set the tone.
• Pepperdine would regain a brief lead, but a 14-3 lead including five points from Ransom gave GU the comfortable 45-36 lead at the end of the third.
• Graduate student Alex Cowan managed four quick points early in the fourth period, and from that point the Hoyas were rolling.
• The Hoyas didn't let up and cruised to the 59-40 victory.

Of Note

• Ransom led the way with 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and six steals for another all-around performance.
• The Hoyas boasted balanced scoring with nine players registering a point in the victory.
• Graduate student Graceann Bennett was second with nine points and a team-best eight rebounds.
• The Hoyas shot 33.9% (21-62) from the field, and the Blue & Gray allowed 37.2% (16-43) shooting by the Waves.
• GU outrebounded Pepperdine 42-29 in the game, and Georgetown forced 31 Wave turnovers on 19 steals.
• Ella Brubaker led Pepperdine with 10 points as the lone Wave in double figures.

Up Next

• Georgetown will continue its West Coast swing facing Cal State Fullerton on Sunday.
• The opening tip is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET
• The contest will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and live stats will be available at GUHoyas.com.