The Loyola Marymount Lions (12-2) will try to continue their eight-game winning streak against the Pepperdine Waves (7-7) at Firestone Fieldhouse. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Loyola Marymount Lions at Pepperdine Waves ATS Prediction
In the Lions’ last matchup, they thoroughly outplayed the Westcliff Warriors, 75-43. The Lions had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (45.9 vs. 17.6) and had a much better turnover percentage (16.3 vs. 27.8). With 11 points on 4-for-12 shooting, James Batemon was the game’s leading scorer.
The Waves won big over the Cal State-Dominguez Hills Toros in their last outing, 100-66. The Waves had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.643 vs. 0.389) and had a much better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 17.1). With 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds, Pepperdine’s Colbey Ross put together a solid game.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Lions won the last game 85-79. The Lions had a better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 18.5) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 34.6).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Batemon (0 points) has been stellar for the Lions while Ross (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Waves.
Ball protection could play a significant role in this battle. Pepperdine commits the 52nd-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 17.2 percent), while the pesky defense of Loyola Marymount forces the 23rd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.8 percent). Furthermore, the Lions could control the offensive glass in this meeting as they rank 44th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 34.5 percent. The Waves, meanwhile, rank 294th at securing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 67.9 percent.
Loyola Marymount Lions vs. Pepperdine Waves Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Loyola Marymount, ATS Winner – Loyola Marymount, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Loyola Marymount ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (29.1) while Pepperdine ranks 213th (38.5).
The Waves rank 78th in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while the Lions rank 245th (17.9).
Pepperdine ranks 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Loyola Marymount ranks 83rd (6.1).
The Lions average 13.1 assists per game, which ranks 146th in the NCAA. The Waves rank 179th in assists allowed per game (15.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 12.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Waves have scored an average of 83.6 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.4 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
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