Pepperdine vs St. Mary’s Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25

The Pepperdine Waves are visiting the Saint Mary’s Gaels on Thursday, January 2nd at the University Credit Union Pavilion. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Pepperdine Waves vs Saint Mary’s Gaels Prediction.

Saint Mary’s Gaels Preview

The Saint Mary’s Gaels have an 11-3 record this season and are coming off a 70-60 win over Pacific. The Gaels are 3-10 against the spread, and 6-6-1 in over/under while having an 8-1 home record.

Offensively, Saint Mary’s is averaging 74.9 points per game, which ranks 206th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 64.3 points per game (36th). The Gaels shoot 44.9% from the field (149th) and 32.5% from beyond the arc (251st). The Gaels shoot 66.6% from the free-throw line (305th) and are grabbing 41.2 rebounds per game, which is 22nd in the nation.

Augustas Marciulionis leads Saint Mary’s in scoring this season, with 14.2 points and a team-high 6.4 assists, while Paulius Murauskas adds 13.4 points and a team-high 8.9 rebounds.

Pepperdine Waves Preview

The Pepperdine Waves have a 6-9 record this season and are coming off an 82-89 loss to Gonzaga. The Waves are 8-6 against the spread, and 8-6 in over/under, while having a 0-5 road record.

Offensively, Pepperdine is averaging 75.7 points per game, which ranks 187th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 72.7 points per game (227th). The Waves shoot 46.2% from the field (134th) and 34.6% from beyond the arc (147th). The Waves shoot 73.5% from the free-throw line (124th) and are grabbing 37.4 rebounds per game (137th).

Stefan Todorovic leads Pepperdine in scoring this season, with an average of 19.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, while Moe Odum adds 12.9 points and a team-high 7.5 assists. 

Why the Saint Mary’s Gaels will win

• Saint Mary’s has won each of its last 16 night games at University Credit Union Pavilion against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Pepperdine has lost each of its last six games at University Credit Union Pavilion.
• Saint Mary’s has won the first half in each of its last 16 night games at University Credit Union Pavilion against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Pepperdine Waves vs Saint Mary’s Gaels Prediction

Saint Mary’s is 9-1 in their last 10 meetings against Pepperdine, and are 5-0 against the spread in their last 5 meetings. Over is 4-1 in their last 5 meetings and in their most recent meeting last season, the Gaels won 83-57 on the road. In this Pepperdine Waves vs Saint Mary’s Gaels Prediction, Saint Mary’s is coming as a -16.5 home favorites. Pepperdine is better offensively, scoring 0.8 points more than Saint Mary’s, while Saint Mary’s is better defensively, allowing 8.4 points less. The Gaels are winning by an average of 10.6 points this season, while the Waves are winning by 3 points. The Waves have better shooting percentages both from the field and from beyond the arc and are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games. On the other hand, the Gaels are struggling against the spread, as they are 1-6 in their last 7 games. I expect the guests to keep this one close, so take the Pepperdine Waves and lay the plus points on the road.