The Pepperdine Waves (6-4) and the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (4-3), who both like to play fast, will face off at Centrum Arena. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Pepperdine Waves at Southern Utah Thunderbirds ATS Prediction
The last time the Waves played, they dismantled the Cal State-Dominguez Hills Toros, 100-66. The Waves had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.643 vs. 0.389) and had a much better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 17.1). Pepperdine was led by Colbey Ross, who contributed 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
The Thunderbirds dismantled the West Coast Baptist Eagles in their last game, 109-63. The Thunderbirds had a much better turnover percentage (9.9 vs. 32.0) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 17.1). Dwayne Morgan led Southern Utah in scoring with 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field.
There could be a fair amount of transition offense in this showdown that showcases a pair of the nation’s more up-tempo teams. Southern Utah ranks 56th in possessions per game (73.5) and Pepperdine is 53rd (69.1) dating back to the 2017-18 season. Also, the Waves, who rank 55th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.255), could get to the line a ton against the Thunderbirds, who rank 330th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.300).
Ross has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Pepperdine.
The Thunderbirds won the only contest against the Waves last season, 88-82. The Thunderbirds had a much better turnover percentage (9.0 vs. 18.3) and had a much better free throw rate (0.322 vs. 0.217).
Pepperdine Waves at Southern Utah Thunderbirds ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Southern Utah, ATS Winner – Southern Utah, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Southern Utah ranks 184th in rebounds per game (34.9) while Pepperdine ranks 254th (33.4).
The Waves rank 50th in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while the Thunderbirds rank 116th (3.4).
Pepperdine ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Southern Utah ranks 75th (5.8).
The Thunderbirds average 22.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 132nd in the NCAA. The Waves rank 182nd in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
Pepperdine averages 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 70th in the nation. Southern Utah ranks 97th in assists allowed per game (12.6).
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