We have your Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Pepperdine Waves prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Saint Mary’s Gaels hit the road to face the Pepperdine Waves.
The Saint Mary’s Gaels (23-6) are set to face off against the Pepperdine Waves (12-18) in a West Coast Conference showdown. With the Gaels on a three-game winning streak and the Waves trying to snap a two-game skid, this matchup is poised to be a clash of momentum.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Pepperdine Waves Odds Info
Moneyline: Saint Mary’s Gaels -1499 (PointsBet) / Pepperdine Waves +1060 (FanDuel)
Spread: +15.5 – Saint Mary’s Gaels -110 (BetRivers) / Pepperdine Waves -105 (DraftKings)
Total: 137.0 – -110 (PointsBet) / -108 (DraftKings)
Game Info
Date: Thursday, Feb. 29
Time: 11:00 PM
Location: Firestone Fieldhouse – Malibu, CA
TV: CBS Sports Network
Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Trends
- On the road, Saint Mary’s Gaels are 8 and 0 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Saint Mary’s Gaels are 15 and 13.
- Against the spread on the road, Saint Mary’s Gaels are 6 and 3.
Pepperdine Waves Betting Trends
- At home, Pepperdine Waves are 9 and 7 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Pepperdine Waves are 12 and 16.
- Against the spread at home, Pepperdine Waves are 8 and 7.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Pepperdine Waves Predictions
The Saint Mary’s Gaels enter the game with an impressive 23-6 overall record and a perfect 14-0 in conference play, signaling their dominance in the West Coast Conference. The Gaels, led by guard Aidan Mahaney, who is averaging 13.9 points per game, and center Mitchell Saxen, pulling down 7.6 rebounds per game, have been formidable on both ends of the court. Their offensive efficiency is reflected in their field goal percentage of 46.6%, ranking 81st in the nation, while their defense has been stout, allowing them to maintain an undefeated road record.
On the other side, the Pepperdine Waves have struggled this season, with an overall record of 12-18 and a 5-10 conference record. The Waves will rely heavily on guard Michael Ajayi, who leads the team in both points (17.5 per game) and rebounds (9.5 per game). Despite their challenges, the Waves have shown they can compete at home, boasting a 9-7 record at Firestone Fieldhouse. They’ll need to leverage their home-court advantage and find a way to slow down the Gaels’ offense to have a chance at an upset.
This game will also be a battle of contrasting styles, particularly in the rebounding department where Saint Mary’s ranks 41st in average rebounds compared to Pepperdine’s 353rd. The Gaels’ ability to control the boards could be a key factor in the game. Additionally, both teams will be looking to manage the pace and make the most of their possessions, with Saint Mary’s averaging 74.6 points per game and Pepperdine not far behind at 73.1. As the Gaels look to extend their winning streak and the Waves aim to turn their season around, this matchup promises to be an intriguing one for fans and analysts alike.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Pepperdine Waves Pick
The Saint Mary’s Gaels come into this matchup with a stellar record, both overall and within their conference. Their undefeated status on the road (8-0) and a perfect conference play record (14-0) make them the clear favorites. The Gaels have demonstrated a high level of play with a strong field goal percentage and a solid defensive record, which has been a significant factor in their success this season. Given their current form and the fact that they are facing a Pepperdine team with a losing record, the Gaels’ moneyline bet seems to be the more secure option despite the less favorable odds.
While Pepperdine has a decent home record (9-7), their overall performance this season does not inspire confidence against a team of Saint Mary’s caliber. The Gaels’ superior rebounding stats and offensive efficiency, coupled with their ability to cover the spread in most of their games, further solidify the choice. Historical trends also favor the Gaels, and there’s little to suggest that this game will deviate from those patterns. Therefore, betting on the Saint Mary’s Gaels’ moneyline is the prudent pick for this game.
The Pick: Saint Mary’s Gaels -1499 (PointsBet)