The Pepperdine Waves (7-8, 0-1 WCC) will try to slow down the top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (15-1, 1-0 WCC) at McCarthey Athletic Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Pepperdine Waves at Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Bulldogs were victorious over the Portland Pilots, 85-72, while the Waves lost a tough one against the Pacific Tigers, 59-56.
Gonzaga dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 5.1 (better than their season average of 13.0) and a free throw rate of 0.169 (matching their season average). Portland recorded marks of 18.8 and 0.107, respectively, for those same stats. Pepperdine, meanwhile, held Pacific to an offensive rebounding percentage of 6.9 (below their season average of 37.1). Killian Tillie was a key piece for Gonzaga with 22 points. Meanwhile, Pepperdine was led by Colbey Ross, who put up 15 points and six rebounds.
The Bulldogs dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both contests. In the most recent matchup, Gonzaga won 100-74. Gonzaga’s 0.242 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Pepperdine, who had a mark of 0.108. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The productive offense of Gonzaga will battle against the bottom-tier defense of Pepperdine. The Bulldogs currently rank first in offensive efficiency, while the Waves are 321st in defensive efficiency. The Bulldogs figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Moreover, the Waves rank 35th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.279), while the Bulldogs rank 20th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.151).
Pepperdine Waves at Gonzaga Bulldogs Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Gonzaga ranks sixth in assists per game (17.9) while Pepperdine ranks 213th in assists allowed per game (15.6).
- The Bulldogs rank 25th in rebounds per game (41.1) while the Waves rank 213th (33.8).
- Gonzaga averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 81st in the NCAA. Pepperdine ranks 129th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Waves have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.0 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.2, down from 19.8 for the season.
