The Santa Clara Broncos (12-11, 4-5 WCC) will be at Firestone Fieldhouse to challenge the Pepperdine Waves (11-12, 4-5 WCC) in a WCC matchup. Action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019.
Santa Clara Broncos vs. Pepperdine Waves ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Waves were beaten by the Pacific Tigers, 66-59, while the Broncos beat the Portland Pilots, 69-63.
The Broncos had an absurd free throw rate of 0.393 (above their season average of 0.238) and held the Pilots to an effective field goal percentage of 0.419 (below their season average of 0.487). Pepperdine, on the other hand, had a free throw rate of 0.354 (above their season average of 0.267). Kameron Edwards played well for Pepperdine, recording 16 points and six rebounds. Keshawn Justice played a key role for Santa Clara with 17 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Josip Vrankic led the Broncos to a 67-64 victory. He registered a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Santa Clara’s 0.157 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Pepperdine, who had a rate of 0.083.
It will be a battle of contrasting tempos as the up-tempo Waves (ranked 78th in the country in possessions per game) will look to push the more methodical Broncos (237th in possessions per game). It could also be an error-filled game for the Broncos’ offense, which ranks 293rd in ball security (turnover percentage of 20.9 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Waves, which forces the 45th-most turnovers in the country (22.2 percent).
Santa Clara at Pepperdine Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Pepperdine, ATS Winner – Pepperdine, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Santa Clara ranks 40th in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while Pepperdine ranks 148th (22.7).
- The Broncos rank 41st in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Waves rank 86th (3.2).
- Santa Clara ranks 217th in rebounds per game (34.0) while Pepperdine ranks 259th (32.7).
- The Waves average 14.7 assists per game, which ranks 76th in the country. The Broncos rank 174th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- Pepperdine averages 7.1 steals per game, which ranks 76th in the country. Santa Clara ranks 136th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 58.6 points per game (10.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.4 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
- The Waves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 3.7 for the season.
