Gonzaga vs Pepperdine Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/30/24

In this article, we will formulate a Gonzaga vs Pepperdine prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, December 30th at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are 9-4 (0-0) this year after they lost to UCLA by a score of 65-62 in their last game. Gonzaga trailed 27-25 at halftime and allowed 38 points in the second half in the loss. The Bulldogs shot 45.5% from the field, 29.2% on three-pointers, and 62.5% on free throws in the game. Graham Ike led Gonzaga with 24 points and eight rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Bulldogs defeated Bucknell by a score of 86-65 and Nicholls by a score of 102-72. Gonzaga has scored 87.2 points per game and they have allowed 69.1 points per game, while also averaging 40.2 rebounds and 19.2 assists per game this season. Graham Ike is averaging 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, while Gonzaga is shooting 49.3% from the field, 80.6% on free throws, and 34.3% on three-pointers this year. 

Pepperdine Waves Betting Preview

The Pepperdine Waves are 6-8 (0-1) this season after they lost to Santa Clara by a score of 91-80 in their last game. Pepperdine trailed 52-43 at halftime but did play better defense in the second half. The Waves shot 44.8% from the field, 34.8% on three-pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Stefan Todorovic led Pepperdine with 25 points and four assists in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Waves defeated UC Davis by a score of 85-46 but lost to Long Beach State by a score of 79-76 before that. Pepperdine has scored 75.2 points per game and they have allowed 71.6 points per game, while also averaging 37.7 rebounds and 16.7 assists per game this season. Stefan Todorovic is averaging 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while Pepperdine is shooting 46.1% from the field, 72.9% on free throws, and 35% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Gonzaga will beat Pepperdine 

• Gonzaga has won 18 of its last 19 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Pepperdine has lost each of its last seven Monday games against Conference opponents.
• Pepperdine has lost the first half in each of its last eight night games against AP-ranked opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• Gonzaga ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (80.6%).
• Gonzaga ranks T9th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (31.5).

Gonzaga vs Pepperdine Prediction 

Gonzaga comes into this matchup after losing to UCLA in their last game and they already have four losses on the season. The Bulldogs have played a difficult schedule this year, but it is never easy going on the road in conference play. Pepperdine has lost two of their last three games and just allowed 91 points to Santa Clara. Gonzaga is shooting 49.3% from the field and they are scoring 87.2 points per game this year. Gonzaga may have four losses on the season, but they have dominated the lesser teams that they have faced. Take the Bulldogs here.