Rice vs Pepperdine Prediction 12/20/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Rice vs Pepperdine Prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, December 20th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Pepperdine Waves Preview

Pepperdine Waves have a 4-8 record this season and are sitting in 11th place of the WCC. They have a 3-4 home record and are coming off a 78-81 away loss against Long Beach State. Their previous three games were a 70-62 away win against Cal State Bakersfield, a 56-65 home loss against Vermont, and a 63-71 home loss against Abilene Christian.

Offensively, Pepperdine averages 73.7 points per game, while allowing 74.8 points per game defensively. The Waves shoot with 44.1% from the field and grab 36 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.5 assists per game. They average 2.7 blocks per game and 5.6 steals per game defensively.

Aaron Clark leads Pepperdine in scoring, with an average of 14.3 points per game, while shooting with 41.4% from the field and 76.7% from the free throw line. Styles Phipps leads the team in both rebounds, with 6.5 per game, and assists, adding a team-high 5.3 assists per game.

Rice Owls Preview

Rice Owls have a 6-6 record this season and are sitting in 9th place of the American Conference. They have a 0-3 away record and are coming off a 94-47 home win against Southwestern Christian. Their previous three games were a 77-76 home win against Arkansas State, a 77-72 home win against Texas State, and an 81-62 home win against Oral Roberts.

Offensively, Rice averages 77.3 points per game, while allowing 71.3 points per game defensively. The Owls shoot with 43% from the field and grab 39.6 rebounds per game, while dishing out 13.7 assists per game. They average 4.1 blocks per game and 7.6 steals per game defensively.

Nick Anderson leads Rice in scoring, with an average of 14.5 points per game, while shooting with 41.3% from the field and 93.0% from the free throw line. Jimmy Oladokun Jr. leads the team in rebounds with 5.4 per game, while Trae Broadnax adds a team-high 3.0 assists per game.

Rice Owls @ Pepperdine Waves Betting Trends: December 20, 2025

Why the Pepperdine Waves will win

• Rice has lost each of its last four road games following a home win.
• Pepperdine has won the first half in four of its last five night games.

Why the Rice Owls will win

• Rice has won each of its last four games.
• Pepperdine has lost six of its last seven games.
• Rice has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Rice’s last eight games have produced a total of 141+ points.
• Fourteen of Pepperdine’s last 17 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 150+ points.

Rice vs Pepperdine Prediction

In this Rice vs Pepperdine Prediction, Rice is coming as -1.5 road favorites. Rice has been the better team this season, as they have a better overall record and are facing a Pepperdine team that has been below average at home. Rice is also playing much better basketball lately, as they have four consecutive wins and are 3-0 against the spread, while on the other hand, Pepperdine is 1-6 in its last 7 games and 2-5 against the spread. Rice is also better both offensively and defensively and I expect them to take care of business on the road today. Take Rice and lay the points.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Rice -1.5