Pepperdine freshman guard Colbey Ross has attention of Gonzaga’s defense

There are potentially two key matchups in this one and it could change depending on who takes the court for Pepperdine.

Sophomore forward Kameron Edwards (team-leading 15.9 ppg, 6.8 rebounds) has missed the last five games with a concussion and his status wasn’t known for Thursday’s game.

If Edwards doesn’t play, Gonzaga’s focus shifts to point guard Colbey Ross, who is having an impressive freshman season. The 6-foot-1 guard is averaging 14.3 points (eighth in the WCC) and 5.3 assists (fourth). He can operate off the dribble, he’s an effective 3-point shooter (40 percent) and he’s nailed 56 of 62 free throws.

Ross, two-time prep player of the year in Colorado, has led Pepperdine in scoring in the last four games. He had 16 points against defensive-minded San Diego last Saturday.

Gonzaga’s Josh Perkins, also a Colorado native, will probably draw the starting assignment on Ross. That could change, if senior guard Amadi Udenyi (ankle) returns from a two-game absence.