DAVIS, Calif. — The Aggies staged a valiant comeback but fell short against the Beach, losing 78-74 on Thursday night.
Putting on a show in front of the Aggie faithful at the University Credit Union Center, Elijah Pepper was sensational for UC Davis (15-10, 10-4), tying his career-high with 32 points and adding six boards, three dimes, and three swipes.
Ty Johnson was right beside him contributing to the Aggies effort, scoring 19 points and snatching six steals. Johnson erupted for 13 points of his 19 points in the second half.
Niko Rocak also had a standout night, chipping in a career-high 13 points and eight rebounds as he fought hard in the post against the Beach's physical frontcourt.
The Aggies were lethal from beyond the arc, draining 10 of 27 attempts. Pepper nailed eight of them, setting a new season-high for an Aggie, as well as a career-high for himself, breaking his past mark of six.
Defensively, UC Davis forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 20 points on the other end. Johnson's six thefts led the way and were a game-high. His six steals were also the second most in his career, trailing his high total of eight, which still stands as the Division I steal record in UC Davis history.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Beach controlled the first half, opening with a 7-0 run and disrupting the Aggies' offense with their physical defense and varied schemes. The Aggies struggled to find their rhythm and captured their first basket at the 16:38 mark.
Despite this,
Elijah Pepper was red-hot for the Aggies early on, scoring 16 points on four triples in the first half. However, the Beach still led by a 46-30 margin at the break.
The Aggies mounted a furious comeback in the second half, led by the dynamic duo of Pepper and Johnson. The pair combined for 29 points in the final 20 minutes, trading blows with the Beach and sparking a 9-0 run that gave the Aggies a 72-68 lead with 5:08 left. Pepper capped the run with a clutch three-pointer.
The Beach responded with poise and regained the lead with a 10-2 run of their own. The Aggies had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, but Johnson's shot bounced off the rim. The Beach held on for a 78-74 victory, handing the Aggies a heartbreaking loss.
The Aggies will look to bounce back Saturday as UC Davis hosts UC Riverside at the University Credit Union Center at 2:00 p.m. (PT).
GAME NOTES
» Elijah Pepper was efficient from beyond the arc, knocking down eight treys.
» The UC Davis defense forced 19 turnovers.
» UC Davis cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 19 offensive boards in the game.
» Elijah Pepper led the Aggies with a game-high 32 points.
» UC Davis got a team-high 8 rebounds from Niko Rocak.
