Pepperdine wins a laugher

After six weeks away from home, the Pepperdine men’s basketball team showed how happy it was to be back in Malibu’s Firestone Fieldhouse on Tuesday as the Waves crushed Hope International, an NAIA school, 118-76.

Because of differences between NCAA and NAIA rules, it was an official game for Pepperdine (6-10) while Hope International (1-9) considered it an exhibition.

Pepperdine took a 68-26 lead at halftime and played only its reserves in the second half. All 14 Waves players scored.

The Waves set season highs for points, points in a half (68), field-goal percentage (.588), three-point baskets (16), rebounds (54), rebound margin (plus-22) and assists (26).

Five Waves reached double figures. Freshman guard Jon Reed scored a career-high 15 points, all on three-pointers, to lead the Waves. Freshman forward Daniel Johnson had 14 points and junior guard Ryan Holmes had a career-high 12 points on six-for-six shooting, and both players appeared only in the first half.

The Waves were playing their first home game after a stretch of 10 road games. This was their third home game of the season.