The Pepperdine Waves and UCLA Bruins meet Friday in the college basketball action at the Pauley Pavilion. Here’s a UCLA vs Pepperdine Prediction. This article will include a UCLA vs Pepperdine Pick.
Pepperdine Waves Betting Preview
The Pepperdine Waves beat Life Pacific, and they play Northern Colorado and New Orleans next. Pepperdine hasn’t started a season 2-0 since 2016-17.
The Pepperdine Waves are averaging 88 points on 53.2 percent shooting and allowing 80 points on 46.6 percent shooting. Aaron Clark is averaging 14 points and 4 rebounds, while Javon Cooley is averaging 13 points and 1 assist. Pavle Stosic is the third double-digit scorer and David Mager is dishing 0 assists. The Pepperdine Waves are shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc and 54.5 percent from the free throw line. The Pepperdine Waves are allowing 37.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39 rebounds per game.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The UCLA Bruins beat Eastern Washington, and they play West Georgia and Arizona next. UCLA looks for its fourth 2-0 start in the last five seasons.
The UCLA Bruins are averaging 80 points on 47.1 percent shooting and allowing 74 points on 53.7 percent shooting. Donovan Dent is averaging 21 points and 4 rebounds, while Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 19 points and 6 rebounds. Xavier Booker is the third double-digit scorer and Trent Perry is grabbing 1 rebound. The UCLA Bruins are shooting 30.8 percent from beyond the arc and 60 percent from the free throw line. The UCLA Bruins are allowing 28 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31 rebounds per game.
Why the UCLA Bruins will win
- UCLA has won each of its last 27 night games at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon following a home win.
- Pepperdine has lost each of its last six night games against non-Conference opponents.
- UCLA has won the first half in each of its last 14 games at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Pepperdine Waves will win
- Pepperdine has won four of its last five games.
- UCLA has lost four of its last five night games against the West Coast Conference.
- Pepperdine has won the first half in three of its last four games against non-Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Thirty-nine of UCLA’s last 43 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon have produced a total of 153 or fewer points.
- Twelve of Pepperdine’s last 14 night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- UCLA ranks 1st for points off turnovers per game (21.0) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
- UCLA ranks 1st for opponent points per game (57.0) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
UCLA vs Pepperdine Prediction
I considered Pepperdine and the points, as this is a better team than most believe, and the Waves should be eager to make a statement to the rest of their conference. However, UCLA has a serious talent and depth advantage, and this is a spot where the offense comes in waves and Pepperdine gets overwhelmed. With Dent leading the way, UCLA should win this game by 30 or so points, getting us a cover on Friday night.