The Pepperdine Waves (3-13, 0-4 WCC) look to put an end to their seven-game losing streak when they challenge the BYU Cougars (13-4, 2-2 WCC) at Marriott Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11, 2018, and will air on ESPN Full Court.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 141.5 points with BYU opening as an 18-point favorite.
Pepperdine Waves vs. BYU Cougars Free Prediction
The last time the Waves played, they were beaten by the San Francisco Dons, 80-67. San Francisco’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Pepperdine. The Dons had a rate of 9.4 (better than their season average of 16.0), while the Waves posted a mark of 19.2. Colbey Ross was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
The Cougars lost a close one to the Pacific Tigers in their last contest, 67-66. Pacific’s 11.7 turnover percentage was their largest strength over BYU, who had a mark of 16.1. The Tigers’ mark was better than their season average of 16.1. Elijah Bryant had a solid game for BYU, leading both teams in scoring with 29 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. BYU ranks 284th in possessions per game (67.8) and Pepperdine is 254th (68.8).
Pepperdine heads into the game with records of 3-13 straight up (SU) and 5-9-1 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Waves have a slight tendency to finish under the total (53.3 percent).
BYU has an outstanding 13-4 SU record, but they are just 6-8 ATS. Cougars games have typically finished under the total (71.4 percent).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Waves won the last matchup 99-83. The Waves had a better effective field goal percentage (0.641 vs. 0.542) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.3 vs. 34.3).
Pepperdine Waves at BYU Cougars Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – BYU, ATS Winner – BYU, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Pepperdine is 3-3-1 ATS on the road with 5 unders and 2 overs.
At home, BYU is 3-4 ATS with 4 overs and 3 unders.
BYU ranks 67th in assists allowed per game (12.1) while Pepperdine ranks 242nd (18.2).
The Cougars rank 70th in three pointers allowed per game (20.4) while the Waves rank 238th (25.6).
BYU ranks 59th in blocks per game (4.2) while Pepperdine ranks 146th in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
The Cougars rank 95th in steals per game (6.6) while the Waves rank 115th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
BYU is 20th in the nation with 30.9 rebounds allowed per game while Pepperdine is 34th with 31.6 rebounds allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Pepperdine is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
BYU is 2-2 ATS with 4 unders over their last five games.
The Waves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.6, up from 7.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (6.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.4 points per game (6.7 below their season average).
