Gonzaga Bulldogs (9-4) vs Pepperdine Waves (7-8)
2024-01-04 21:00:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Gonzaga Bulldogs -20 -- Over/Under: 151.5
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The Pepperdine Waves and the Gonzaga Bulldogs meet in college basketball action from the McCarthey Athletic Center on Thursday night. Can Pepperdine shock the world and pull off the upset of the Zags? OR will Gonzaga continue their dominance over Pepperdine? Let’s dive in and find out with our Pepperdine vs. Gonzaga Prediction.
Pepperdine Team Preview
The Pepperdine Waves come into this one looking to build on back-to-back wins after an 83-47 win over subdivision Westcliff last time out. Michael Ajayi leads the Waves with 17.3 PPG and 9.5 RPG with 2 APG as well while Houston Mallette has 16.7 PPG with 3.7 RPG and 2.5 APG for Pepperdine up to this point in the year. Ethan Anderson also has a team-high 3.3 APG to lead the Waves in the assist department this season. As a team, Pepperdine is averaging 72.2 PPG on 45.4% shooting from the field, 34.1% from three and 68.6% from the foul line this season. Pepperdine will meet Santa Clara after this one.
Gonzaga Team Preview
The Gonzaga Bulldogs come into this one looking to rebound and find some consistency after alternating wins and losses in each of their last six games following an 84-74 loss to San Diego State last time out. Graham Ike leads the Zags in scoring and rebounding with 14.5 PPG and 8.1 RPG while Anton Watson is right behind with 14.2 PPG and 7.5 RPG. Nolan Hickman has 12.2 PPG with 2.35 APG and Braden Huff has 11.6 PPG while Ryan Nembhard has 12.2 PPG with 4.1 RPG and a team-high 5.7 APG to lead the Zags in assists. Braden Huff has 10.5 PPG with 4.2 RPG while rounding out the group of double-digit scorers for Gonzaga so far this season. As a team, Gonzaga is averaging 83.5 PPG on 48.8% shooting from the field, 31.5% from three and 70.4% from the foul line this season. Gonzaga will take on San Diego after this game.
Pepperdine vs. Gonzaga Prediction
I’m looking at Gonzaga here. It’s not the same Gonzaga team of years past that were primed and ready to run roughshod through the WCC. However, Gonzaga’s beat on Pepperdine like a drum over the past few years and I think this game is no different. Pepperdine has some serious issues on the defensive end of the floor, and I think those issues are exposed here. Give me Gonzaga.
