Gonzaga vs. Pepperdine recap: Kevin Pangos leads charge as Bulldogs overcome sluggish first half

For a much of the first half, it looked like the Pepperdine Waves had solved the Gonzaga Bulldogs offense for the second game in a row. Then the second-half happened, and the Bulldogs pulled away for the win, 56-48.

Gonzaga's 56 points were the lowest offensive output of the season, a far cry lower from Gonzaga's usual 80 points per game. Realistically, it isn't much of a surprise, considering Pepperdine's focus on defense.

Gonzaga shot 41.7 percent from the floor and just 27.8 percent from beyond the arc. The one thing they definitely improved on was free-throw shooting. Instead of watching the game whittle away at the charity stripe (like the first go around with Pepperdine), Gonzaga went 11-of-12 from the line.

Kevin Pangos led all scorers in the game with 19 points. Kyle Wiltjer chipped in 13 and Domantas Sabonis threw down 10 points. After that, the normally potent Gonzaga offense was starved for points. Luckily, the defense was more than ready to answer the call.

Pepperdine started out hot, but struggled as the game plodded along. Pepperdine shot 42.3 percent from the floor and missed all 10 three point attempts. It is the first time this season Gonzaga has shut down an opponent from beyond the arc.

All in all, it was a grind out game that Gonzaga needs to showcase their ability to win. They did that. Now, Gonzaga sits one game shy of tying the school record win streak.