Long Beach St. 49ers vs
Pepperdine WavesPredictions & Preview

Long Beach State Beach Gears Up to Face Pepperdine Waves in College Hoops Showdown

On December 19, 2024, the Long Beach State Beach will face off against the Pepperdine Waves in a college hoops non-conference matchup at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, CA, with tip-off scheduled for 9:00 PM ET. The Beach looks to secure their fourth consecutive victory over Pepperdine, the first time the two teams have met since 2018. Currently, Pepperdine is favored to win with a point spread of -6, a line that has remained unchanged. Stay tuned for the best Long Beach State vs. Pepperdine prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: 49ers +198 | Waves -245
• Spread: 49ers +6 (-110) | Waves -6 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 141 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Pepperdine will win straight-up is 71%.

Long Beach St. vs Pepperdine Stats

Long Beach St. 49ers

The Long Beach State Beach basketball team has turned things around in December, winning three straight games after a tough November. Led by standout players such as freshman guard Kam Martin and senior guard Devin Askew, the Beach have shown improvement on both ends of the court. They have a positive assist-to-turnover ratio and are scoring efficiently, albeit with room for improvement in their shooting percentages. Defensively, they have room for improvement in limiting opponents' shooting percentages. Long Beach State currently has a power ranking of 244 and a NCAA NET Ranking of 316. They are 4-8 overall this season, with a 4-7 record against the spread. The team will look to build on their recent success and continue to improve as the season progresses.

Pepperdine Waves Analysis

The Pepperdine Waves have been on a successful run, winning four of their last five games and going 3-0 SU and 2-0 ATS in December. Their recent victory over Northern Arizona showcased strong performances from key players like Boubacar Coulibaly and Moe Odum. The team's offense averages 103.0 points per 100 possessions, while their defense allows 107.5 points in return. With a power ranking of 139 and a ranking of #250 for offense, the Waves are set to face off against Long Beach St., who has struggled in their recent matches against Pepperdine. The team's offensive stats show they excel in field goal percentage and free throw shooting, while their defensive stats demonstrate their ability to limit opponent scoring opportunities. For those looking to capitalize on the Waves' success, it may be wise to consider the insights of the best NCAAB handicappers.

Height Advantage May Give Waves Edge Against Beach, But Defensive Weaknesses Could Prove Costly

In the upcoming matchup between the Waves and the Beach, the Waves hold a distinct height advantage, particularly with players like Stefan Todorovic and Boubacar Coulibaly dominating in the paint. Despite this, the Waves struggle with rebounding and have a questionable defense, ranked 317th in defensive turnover percentage nationally. As a result, the Beach may have an opportunity to keep the game competitive. Although both teams have weaknesses in their defensive play, Devin Askew of the Beach is a standout scorer who may exploit the Waves' defensive vulnerabilities. The Beach team excels in 3-point shooting, making 35.5% of their shots from deep. With their preference for a slower pace of play, the Beach team presents a formidable challenge for the Waves in this matchup.

Sources: [ 2 ] [ 4 ]