It will be a battle between WCC opponents when the Pepperdine Waves (9-11, 2-4 WCC) welcome the Saint Mary’s Gaels (13-8, 4-2 WCC) to Firestone Fieldhouse. The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Pepperdine Waves ATS Prediction
The last time the Gaels played, they were topped by the BYU Cougars, 71-66. BYU’s 2.8 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Saint Mary’s, who had a rate of 19.0. The Cougars’ mark was better than their season average of 14.1, while the Gaels’ was above their season average of 13.8. Malik Fitts was Saint Mary’s’ high scorer with 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Waves lost to the Loyola Marymount Lions in their last contest, 74-70. Loyola Marymount’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Pepperdine. The Lions had a rate of 0.241 (below their season average of 0.277), while the Waves posted a mark of 0.105 (below their season average of 0.267). With 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting, Kameron Edwards was the game’s leading scorer.
After the Gaels won all three matchups against the Waves last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last game, Saint Mary’s won 69-66. Saint Mary’s did a fantastic job of making free throws (14-19; 73.7 percent). Pepperdine, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (8.1 vs. 21.6).
Pepperdine could put on a ball-control clinic in this showdown. Pepperdine ranks 49th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent), while Saint Mary’s forces the 47th-fewest turnovers (17.0 percent). Additionally, the Gaels’ 29th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.555) will clash against the Waves’ 278th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.525).
Saint Mary’s at Pepperdine ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Pepperdine, ATS Winner – Pepperdine, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Saint Mary’s ranks ninth in rebounds allowed per game (29.6) while Pepperdine ranks 222nd (37.3).
The Gaels rank 25th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while the Waves rank 204th (15.1).
Saint Mary’s ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (16.9) while Pepperdine ranks 129th (22.1).
The Gaels are 10th in the nation with 4.7 steals allowed per game while the Waves are 51st with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, up from 11.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Waves have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (3.4 above their season average).
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