Pepperdine is planning on playing WSU tougher. Cal from the opening tip displayed their vast superiority in talent. By the end of the night the Waves ended with only six less rebounds, five less offensively, and five more turnovers, but had six less assists and got to the line a mediocre seven times sinking four free throws.

Pepperdine had two players reach double figures with senior guard Lorne Jackson going 2-of-6 from downtown en route to 10 points. The Waves will need a lot more production than 10 and 13 from their top two scorers versus the Cougs if Pepperdine is going to spring the upset.

Washington State blew by 1-2 Utah Valley State 72-49 in Pullman on Wednesday. The Cougars led by 23 points at the break and finished with just five TOs. WSU rippled the nets for 51.8 percent shooting including 21-of-32 inside the arc.

The Cougs got to the line just eight times, but made as many FTs, six, as the Wolverines who were sent to the stripe 10 times. Washington State had four in double digits with senior forward Brock Motum and sophomore guard Dexter Kernich-Drew doing the most damage with 15 and 14 points.

The Cougars won by 19 and 23 at home their first two contests. Now WSU hits the road where they were 6-10 a year ago. Of the Cougs' away wins two were by less than five points and two were by 10. Washington State also discarded the Waves 67-56 on Dec. 22 in Seattle.

Pepperdine welcomes a home game after falling twice in hostile venues. The Waves were 6-7 at Firestone Fieldhouse. Malibu can be a difficult place to play, but with Pepperdine's home pedigree not that great just losing one game by less than 10 points I have to chance the Cougars covering.