BYU Cougars vs Pepperdine Waves 2/9/2023 Free Picks, Odds and Game Analysis
The BYU Cougars will hit the road for their latest matchup with a 2-4 record away from home and an overall record of 16-10. Fresh off a dominant 81-66 victory over the Pacific Tigers, the Cougars boast a potent offense averaging 75.3 points per game. On the defensive end, they allow 68.2 points per game, with a rebounding average of 38.5 and 15.2 assists per game.
Shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from beyond the arc, the Cougars have several key contributors to their offense. Fousseyni Traore averages 12.5 points and 8.2 rebounds, while Rudi Williams contributes 12.3 points and 3 assists per game. Gideon George and Spencer Johnson also provide double-digit scoring and Johnson averages 1.4 assists per game. BYU’s shooting is complemented by their 70.4 percent success rate from the free throw line.
Defensively, the Cougars allow opponents to shoot 42.1 percent from the field and 34 percent from beyond the arc, while grabbing an average of 34.6 rebounds per game. Overall, BYU’s balanced approach on both ends of the court makes them a tough team to beat.
- The BYU Cougars are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 matches with Pepperdine.
- BYU is 10-1 SU in their last 11 games against the Waves.
- The Cougars are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games on the road.
BYU Cougars vs Pepperdine Waves 2/9/2023 Free Picks, Odds and Game Analysis
The Pepperdine Waves enter this game with a disappointing 8-17 record for the season. Despite a respectable 7-6 home record, the Waves have struggled throughout the year. In their last outing, Pepperdine secured a thrilling 94-93 double-overtime victory against the Portland Pilots. Despite a solid 77.5 points per game on offense, the Waves have struggled on defense, giving up 80.2 points per game. With 36.6 rebounds per game and 15 assists per game, the Pepperdine Waves have been an average rebounding team but have found success in setting up their teammates.
Shooting 45.8 percent from the field and allowing 44.9 percent shooting from their opponents, the Waves will look to maximize their offensive opportunities while tightening up on defense. Maxwell Lewis leads the Waves in scoring with 18.5 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game, while Houston Mallette chips in with 13.2 points and 2.6 assists per game. The third leading scorer is Mike Mitchell Jr. and Jevon Porter contributes 0.8 assists per game. The Waves shoot 35.7 percent from beyond the arc and 70.6 percent from the free throw line, while allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and grabbing 34.1 rebounds per game.
- The Pepperdine Waves are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games at home.
- Pepperdine is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games at home against BYU.
- The Waves are 1-17 SU in their last 18 games against an opponent in the WCC.
BYU Cougars vs Pepperdine Waves. The NCAAB pick for this game is the BYU Cougars. BYU actually will struggle in this game. The Cougars are not a road team at all and even in the neutral sites have not been impressive at 3-3. Look for the Pepperdine defense, though, to be the downfall for the Waves in this game here. The defense will struggle to stop the BYU team completely and that allows BYU to sneak out a win in this game. Final Score Prediction, BYU Cougars win 73-70.
NCAAB Starting Time: 10:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, CA
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023
TV: CBSS
NCAAB Odds: BYU Cougars +7.5
NCAAB Totals: 150.5
