The Loyola Marymount Lions (12-2) head to Firestone Fieldhouse to meet the Pepperdine Waves (7-7). The Lions will attempt to continue their eight-game winning streak. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Loyola Marymount Lions vs. Pepperdine Waves ATS Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Waves defeated the Cal State-Dominguez Hills Toros 100-66, while the Lions beat the Westcliff Warriors 75-43.
Loyola Marymount dominated every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.9 and a turnover percentage of 16.3. For those same stats, Westcliff had marks of 17.6 and 27.8, respectively. The Waves, meanwhile, 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). Pepperdine rallied around Colbey Ross, who recorded 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds. James Batemon had a good game for Loyola Marymount, recording 11 points.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last contest, the Lions won 85-79. The Lions’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Waves. Loyola Marymount had a rate of 14.4, while Pepperdine posted a mark of 18.5. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
The Lions’ Batemon has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Ross has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Waves.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play an integral role in this battle. Pepperdine commits the 52nd-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 17.2 percent), while the gambling 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 NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 34.5 percent. The Waves, meanwhile, rank 294th at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 67.9 percent.
Loyola Marymount Lions vs. Pepperdine Waves Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Pepperdine, ATS Winner – Loyola Marymount, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Loyola Marymount ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (29.1) while Pepperdine ranks 213th (38.5).
- The Lions average 13.1 assists per game, which ranks 146th in the country. The Waves rank 179th in assists allowed per game (15.2).
- 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).
Bettings Trends:
- 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).
- The Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 12.2 for the season.
