Keys to Victory for the Pacific Tigers Men's College Basketball Team and Their 2009-2010 Season-Opening Game Against the Pepperdine Waves in Malibu

The Pacific Tigers men's college basketball team opens its 2009-2010 season with a road game against the Pepperdine Waves on Friday, Nov. 13. In order to win, the Tigers need to contain and try to stop key players on the Pepperdine Waves' team.

The Pacific Tigers men's basketball team did well in their two preseason games, with an 89-52 win over Cal State Monterey Bay on Nov. 1 and a 71-42 victory over Cal State East Bay on Nov. 7. But now the regular season begins.

Success in college basketball starts with knowing what you need to do to win. The Pepperdine Waves basketball team has a lot of talent. Here are some keys to victory for the Tigers in this very important road game.

Contain Keion Bell

Guard Keion Bell is one of the best players on the Pepperdine Waves. He made big headlines in the Los Angeles Times last month with a spectacular dunk over five teammates. Needless to say, Bell has speed and spectacular dunking skills. Also, he led the Waves in scoring in 2008-2009 with nearly 13 points a game. The Tigers defense needs to collapse on Keion Bell immediately.

Stop Mychel Thompson

Forward Mychel Thompson is a serious talent and has improved every year in points and rebounds. In the Waves' exhibition game on Nov. 6, Thompson made five three-point shots and finished with 21 points. He also had six rebounds.

Put a Body on Taylor Darby

Taylor Darby knows how to get rebounds. He led the Waves in rebounds during the 2008-2009 basketball season. In the Nov. 6 preseason game, he also led the team, gaining a total of eight rebounds. The Tigers need to work the boards effectively and get as many rebounds as possible. They need to know where Darby is at all times.

The Pacific Tigers play the Pepperdine Waves on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. PST in Malibu, California. For information on the Waves' schedule or results, visit this ESPN page. For the schedule and results for the Pacific Tigers, go to this Web link.

For ticket information for men's college basketball at Pepperdine, visit pepperdinesports.com. Information on Pacific Tigers men's basketball can be found at pacifictigers.cstv.com.

Sources

Pacific Tigers men's basketball, ESPN.com

Pepperdine Waves men's basketball, ESPN.com