It will be a battle between WCC opponents when the Pepperdine Waves (9-9, 2-2 WCC) welcome the BYU Cougars (11-8, 3-1 WCC) to Firestone Fieldhouse. The game will air on ESPNU at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
BYU Cougars vs. Pepperdine Waves ATS Prediction
The last time the Cougars played, they beat the Santa Clara Broncos, 80-74. The Cougars had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 24.2) and had a free throw rate of 0.490 (above their season average of 0.276). BYU was led by Yoeli Childs, who was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
The Waves defeated the San Diego Toreros in their last contest, 76-71. The Waves made 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.1 vs. 19.5). Colbey Ross was the game’s top scorer with 27 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field.
Pepperdine could put on a ball-control clinic in this showdown. Pepperdine ranks 45th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while BYU forces the 42nd-fewest turnovers (16.9 percent).
After the Cougars won both meetings against the Waves last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, BYU won 75-70. BYU did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (19-25; 76.0 percent). Pepperdine, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.9 vs. 18.8).
BYU Cougars at Pepperdine Waves ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Pepperdine, ATS Winner – BYU, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
BYU ranks 90th in rebounds per game (37.3) while Pepperdine ranks 238th (32.5).
The Cougars average 16.1 assists per game, which ranks 37th in the nation. The Waves rank 174th in assists allowed per game (14.6).
Pepperdine ranks 99th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while BYU ranks 159th in three pointers allowed per game (23.2).
The Cougars rank 33rd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Waves rank 82nd (3.2).
Pepperdine ranks 35th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while BYU ranks 66th (5.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Cougars have been outscored by an average of 2.4 points in their last five games. For the season, BYU has defeated opponents by an average of 5.1 points.
During their last five games, the Waves have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
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