Pepperdine is in an unenviable position when it comes to taking on UCLA in a matchup of NCAA basketball teams. Not only are the Bruins supremely talented and in the Top 25, but UCLA Bruins is also coming off two tough losses to ranked opponents. UCLA likely didn’t count on having a two-game losing streak before conference play started, and the Pepperdine Waves will likely feel UCLA’s wrath.
Pepperdine, though, has built confidence early in the season. While most people making Pepperdine vs. UCLA betting picks would note the Waves have played a soft non-conference schedule thus far, the Waves have made the most of its during a 4-1 start.
This is the first of two tough road games for Pepperdine. Here’s a look at who will have the edge Wednesday night.
Pepperdine at UCLA Game Info and Analysis
Matchup Info
The Waves will travel to Pauley Pavilion in one of many NCAA basketball games today. Here’s what you need to know.
Date: Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Time: 10:30 p.m.
Venue: Pauley Pavilion
Location: Los Angeles, California
How to Watch: PAC12 Network
Pepperdine Performance Recap and Analysis
Pepperdine Waves odds will show that they have yet to showcase their talents against a top program. UCLA will solve that inexperience issue in a hurry. The Waves, for their part, showed their balance on the scoresheet early.
Pepperdine has four college basketball players averaging in double figures scoring. Maxwell Lewis leads the Waves by averaging 17.2 points per game. Houston Mallette (15.0 points per game), Mike Mitchell Jr. (14.2), and Jevon Porter (12.8) are all averaging in double figures as well.
As a team, people making Pepperdine vs. UCLA betting picks will see the Waves are shooting 45.8 percent from the 3-point line, which is fifth nationally. Pepperdine is also making 52.7 percent of its field goals and scoring 85.2 points per game. The Waves’ defense has been mostly mediocre, ranking 160th nationally by allowing 67.6 points per game.
Key Injuries
Pepperdine doesn’t have any injuries of note.
Betting Trends
- The Waves are 3-1 against the spread.
- Pepperdine has seen the over go 1-3 in its games so far.
- The Waves are 0-1 in true road games this season.
UCLA Performance Recap and Analysis
UCLA Bruins stats show they have had a difficult time forcing teams to take bad shots. So far this season, opponents are making 42.8 percent of their shots against UCLA, which ranks 208th nationally. The Bruin’s offense has shot well from the outside, making 40.2 percent of their 3-pointers so far this season.
People making Pepperdine vs. UCLA betting picks will also see the Bruins have tested themselves early. In addition to losses to Illinois and Baylor, the Bruins were able to pick up a win over Long Beach State, which is a perennial contender to make the NCAA Tournament.
UCLA also has four players who average in double figures. Jaylen Clark leads the team in scoring by putting up 16.4 points per game, and he is shooting 46.7 percent from beyond the arc. Bruins veteran players Tyger Campbell and Jamie Jaquez Jr. are also playing well, contributing 15.4 and 14.6 points per game, respectively.
Key Injuries
UCLA doesn’t have any players on the college basketball injury report.
Betting Trends to Know
- UCLA is 3-2 against the spread this season.
- The Bruins have seen the total go over in three of their five games.
- UCLA is 3-0 at home.
- The Bruins are 3-0 against the spread as double-digit favorites.
Pepperdine at UCLA Betting Odds
NCAAB odds show that UCLA is a 16-point favorite. The Bruins are -2000 on the moneyline, while Pepperdine is +1000. The over/under is 149.5.
Pepperdine at UCLA Betting Picks
Moneyline: Don’t bet the moneyline with UCLA at -2000. Though if you are desperate, the Bruins should be the pick. It’s not really worth parlaying at that number, either. There are other games that impact college basketball standings more that will have better moneylines to bet.
Point Total: When it comes to games on the NCAAB schedule that could be exciting to watch offensively, this could be one. Both teams shoot the 3-pointer well, while neither team has been able to step out to the perimeter to limit their opponents effectively. Expect the over to hit here.
Spread: UCLA has been good against the spread this season when they are a double-digit favorite at home. While the Bruins will need to tighten up defensively to cover the 16-point spread, they could overwhelm a Pepperdine team that hasn’t been tested by a strong opponent this season.
Pepperdine at UCLA Score Prediction
Score: UCLA 90, Pepperdine 70
NCAAB Pick: Over 149.5
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