Pepperdine vs Gonzaga Picks and Prediction – 2/16/2025

The Pepperdine Waves (10-16, 4-9 WCC) travel to Spokane to take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs (19-7, 10-3 WCC) in a conference clash. Pepperdine is coming off a 69-60 loss to Loyola Marymount, while Gonzaga picked up a dominant 78-61 road win over Pacific. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Pepperdine’s offense is led by Stefan Todorovic, who averages 19.0 points per game on 45.8% shooting. Moe Odum runs the point efficiently, dishing out 7.2 assists per contest. The Waves score 72.9 points per game but struggle with efficiency, shooting just 44.6% from the field and 34.1% from beyond the arc. Rebounding is another concern, as the team averages 36.1 boards per game, often getting outmatched by more physical opponents.

Defensively, Pepperdine allows 74.0 points per game, often struggling to contain higher-scoring teams. Boubacar Coulibaly provides some interior presence with 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, but perimeter defense has been an issue. The Waves average 6.3 steals per game, but they lack consistency in stopping opposing offenses, which will be a problem against Gonzaga’s high-powered attack.

Gonzaga enters this matchup in strong form, winning three straight. Graham Ike leads the way offensively with 17.1 points per game on an efficient 59.2% shooting. The Bulldogs average 87.2 points per game and boast a 49.6% team field goal percentage, making them one of the most efficient scoring teams in the WCC. Ryan Nembhard, the team’s primary playmaker, is averaging 9.9 assists per contest, keeping the offense in rhythm.

Defensively, Gonzaga is more reliable than Pepperdine, allowing 70.3 points per game. The Bulldogs control the glass with 39.4 rebounds per game, with Ike leading the charge at 7.3 boards per game. They also force turnovers at a solid rate, averaging 7.4 steals per game. With the ability to defend and score efficiently, Gonzaga holds a clear advantage in this contest.

Gonzaga holds every major statistical advantage in this matchup. The Bulldogs are the better shooting team, the stronger defensive unit, and control the rebounding battle. Pepperdine lacks the consistency needed to keep pace with a high-powered team like Gonzaga. Expect the Bulldogs to dominate from start to finish. Final Score Prediction: Gonzaga wins but does not cover 92-72.