St. Mary's Gaels (23-6) vs. Pepperdine Waves (12-18)
February 29, 2024 11:00 pm EDT
The Line: Pepperdine Waves +14.5; Over/Under: +138
(Get latest betting odds)
The Saint Mary’s Gaels and Pepperdine Waves face off on Thursday in a college basketball showdown at Firestone Fieldhouse. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Saint Mary’s vs Pepperdine prediction.
Saint Mary’s is a Serious Contender
I believe that Saint Mary’s might be the most serious contender out of the WCC, and they are playing some really good basketball heading into this game. In the last game against San Diego, Saint Mary’s offense scored 88 points and that led to the blowout victory. Saint Mary’s shot 55.9 percent from the field, and good shooting has been a common theme for this team all season. Saint Mary’s is averaging 74.6 points while their defense is giving up 58.1 points per game. The defense is ranked 2nd in all of college basketball, and when you talk about Saint Mary’s that’s usually the side of the ball that is getting the attention. Aidan Maheny is averaging 13.9 points while shooting 38.8 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from behind the three point line.
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Can Pepperdine’s Defense Make Enough Stops?
Pepperdine’s defense has been inconsistent, and the big question is will the defense make enough stops here. In the last game against San Francisco, Pepperdine’s defense gave up 92 points, and the offense really didn’t have a shot to keep up. Jevon Porter had a strong game putting up 23 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Pepperdine is averaging 73.1 points while their defense is giving up 75.3 points per game. The offense is ranked 205th in the league but this game is going to come down to the defense making the stops. Michael Ajayi is averaging 17.5 points while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 48.1 percent from behind the three point line.
Saint Mary’s vs Pepperdine Betting Prediction
This game is going to come down to the defense and one team is much better than the other. Saint Mary’s defense is giving up 58.1 points per game and they are going to really step up in this game. Pepperdine is giving up 75.3 points per game, and Saint Mary’s is coming off a game where they scored 88 points. Look for Saint Mary’s offense to put on a show here and they will get close to that 88 point mark they scored in the last game. Pepperdine is going to struggle against the elite Saint Mary’s defense, and this game is going to be a blowout. Back Saint Mary’s against the spread.
