Playing the first of two exhibition games this season, the University of La Verne suffered a 79-51 defeat to Division I Pepperdine University on Friday night in Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu.

The Waves controlled action in the first half, outshooting the Leopards 55.6% (15-for-27) to 16.7% (6-for-36) en route to a 38-17 lead at the break.

Pepperdine forward Mychal Thompson sank eight of 16 shots, made two three-pointers and hit all five of his free throws en route to a game-high 23 points.  Joshua Lowry added 14 points in the victory.

The Waves finished with advantages of 47.5%-28.4% in shooting and 54-36 in rebounding.

La Verne was led by Trevor Woodland's 15 points. More than half (37 of 67) of La Verne's field-goal attempts were three-pointers, and they sank nine from beyond the arc.  Alex Wolpe contributed with eight points on 4-5 shooting from the field.

The Leopards will play their final exhibition game Monday against the Afghanistan National Team at Frantz Athletic Court.  Tip-off is 7:30 pm.