The Pepperdine Waves (4-23, 1-14 WCC) will travel to McCarthey Athletic Center to challenge the No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs (24-4, 14-1 WCC) in their home finale. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018.
Pepperdine Waves at Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Preview
In the Waves last outing, they were beaten by the BYU Cougars, 75-70. Pepperdine’s Matthew Atewe recorded eight points and 11 rebounds in the contest. BYU did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (19-25; 76.0 percent). Pepperdine, meanwhile, held the Cougars to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.8 (below their season average of 24.2).
The Bulldogs hope to maintain momentum after thoroughly outplaying the Loyola Marymount Lions in their last game, 76-46. Gonzaga was lifted by Johnathan Williams, who had 12 points and 13 rebounds. Gonzaga dominated every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.1 (below their season average of 34.8) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.578 (above their season average of 0.571). Loyola Marymount was 19.4 and 0.357, respectively, for those same stats.
Gonzaga could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-octane offense squares off against one of the nations worst defenses. The Bulldogs currently rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while Pepperdine ranks 347th in defensive efficiency.
Williams has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Gonzaga, averaging 13.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Bulldogs won 89-59. The Bulldogs played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.154 and a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 31.4. The Waves put up marks of 0.017 and 15.2, respectively, for those same stats. Killian Tillie was the games top overall scorer with 22 points.
Pepperdine Waves at Gonzaga Bulldogs Free Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Pepperdine, ATS Winner – Pepperdine, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Bulldogs rank 74th in steals per game (6.9) while the Waves rank 232nd (4.6).
- Gonzaga ranks 34th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Pepperdine ranks 175th (4.2).
- Gonzaga ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Pepperdine ranks 263rd (18.0).
- The Bulldogs rank 61st in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while the Waves rank 285th (17.1).
- Gonzaga ranks 12th in rebounds per game (40.3) while Pepperdine ranks 207th (34.0).
Betting Trends:
- The Bulldogs average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.2, down from 17.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Waves have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.8 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
