LAS VEGAS — Portland defeated Pepperdine 77-68 in the first round of the Credit Union 1 West Coast Conference Men's Basketball Championship at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Portland shot nearly 50 percent from the field, pulling away by as many as 12 points in the second half. Jermaine Ballisager-Webb led the way with 22 points for Portland. 

After Pepperdine won both regular-season battles against the Pilots, Portland got the third win to advance to the second round against No. 8 seed Washington State on Friday at 6 p.m.

Portland established an early lead against Waves, dominating insdie the paint, scoring 26 points inside while limiting Pepperdine to 10 points in that category. Portland held a 44-38 advantage at the end of the period.

Portland capitalized on efficient shooting in the second half, converting 44 percent from the field compared to Pepperdine’s 30 percent. Webb stood out for Portland with a strong performance, scoring 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including five three-pointers. He also contributed defensively with two blocks and grabbed seven rebounds. James O'Donnell was efficient with 16 points, making 8-of-10 shots, all from inside the paint. Dante Censori-Hercules contributed on both ends with eight points, nine rebounds and a team-high five assists, while also securing two steals. Freshman standout Joel Foxwell led the team with eight assists on eight points, 

Styles Phipps led the Waves with seven assists, 11 points and two steals. Javon Cooley notched a double-doubel on 15 points and 10 rebounds,