Pepperdine Waves vs. Long Beach State 49ers Free Prediction 12/20/18

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Expect a fast-paced game when the Pepperdine Waves (6-6) head to Long Beach State to play the 49ers (3-9). Action begins at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 20, 2018.

Pepperdine Waves vs. Long Beach State 49ers ATS Odds

In their last outing, the 49ers lost to the 21st-ranked UCLA Bruins, 91-80, while the Waves had no trouble getting past the Cal State-Dominguez Hills Toros, 100-66.

Pepperdine dominated every stat category in the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.643 and a turnover percentage of 11.0. Cal State-Dominguez Hills was 0.389 and 17.1, respectively, for those same stats. Long Beach State, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.7 vs. 22.2). Long Beach State rallied around Deishuan Booker, who contributed 31 points. Colbey Ross led the way for Pepperdine, contributing 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

The 49ers won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 78-71. Long Beach State’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Pepperdine. The 49ers had a rate of 0.200, while the Waves posted a mark of 0.109. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.

Ross has really been playing well as of late for Pepperdine, averaging 0 points over the last five games.

There could be a fair amount of transition offense in this contest that features two of the NCAA’s more up-tempo teams. Long Beach State ranks 27th in possessions per game (75.1) and Pepperdine is 40th (74.2).

Pepperdine Waves at Long Beach State 49ers Free Pick

College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Long Beach State, ATS Winner – Pepperdine, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Pepperdine ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Long Beach State ranks 175th (10.0).
  • The Waves rank 91st in three pointers attempted per game (24.2) while the 49ers rank 109th in three pointers allowed per game (21.8).
  • The 49ers average 37.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 80th in the country. The Waves rank 213th in rebounds allowed per game (38.7).
  • Pepperdine ranks 91st in assists per game (13.8) while Long Beach State ranks 137th in assists allowed per game (13.8).

Bettings Trends:

  • The 49ers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.8, up from 8.1 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Waves have scored an average of 83.6 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.4 points per game (0.6 above their season average).