The Pepperdine Waves (2-4) will be at home in Firestone Fieldhouse when they clash against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (2-3). The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 161.5 points with Pepperdine set as a 7-point favorite. Action gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Pepperdine Waves Betting Preview
The Thunderbirds got blown out by the UNLV Runnin Rebels in their last game, 101-82. Southern Utah’s Jamal Aytes contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds in the game. UNLV had a free throw rate of 0.294 (above their season average of 0.285). Southern Utah, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 12.9).
The last time the Waves played, they were thoroughly outplayed by the No. 16 Texas A&M Aggies, 81-65. Kameron Edwards was the games leading scorer with 20 points on 7-for-15 shooting. Texas A&M held the Waves to an effective field goal percentage of 0.419 (below their season average of 0.519). Pepperdine, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (14.2 vs. 14.3).
Since the 2016-17 season, Southern Utah has done a great job of getting to the charity stripe. They rank 12th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.311), but Pepperdine has been among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 59th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.209).
Of Southern Utah’s 4 games with betting action, two have finished over the projected point total, while 3 of Pepperdine’s 5 games have finished over the projected point total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Thunderbirds have a clear advantage. They are 2-3 SU and 4-0 ATS, while the Waves are 2-4 SU and 2-3 ATS.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Pepperdine Waves Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Pepperdine, ATS Winner – Pepperdine, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Thunderbirds rank 157th in blocks per game (3.3) while the Waves rank 255th (2.5).
- Southern Utah ranks 180th in steals per game (5.9) while Pepperdine ranks 265th (5.0).
- Southern Utah ranks 52nd in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while Pepperdine ranks 324th (15.6).
- The Thunderbirds rank 117th in rebounds per game (36.8) while the Waves rank 252nd (34.2).
- Pepperdine averages 13.7 assists per game, which ranks 145th in the NCAA. Southern Utah ranks 280th in assists allowed per game (15.4).
