UC Davis vs Pepperdine Picks and Prediction – 12/21/2024

UC Davis Aggies (7-4) travel to face the Pepperdine Waves (5-7) in a non-conference clash. UC Davis enters on a four-game win streak, recently defeating Idaho 74-66. Pepperdine seeks to bounce back after falling 68-53 to Weber State despite Stefan Todorovic’s 32-point effort. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

UC Davis boasts a balanced attack led by guard Ty Johnson, who averages 20.6 points per game on 38.3% shooting, alongside forward Niko Rocak’s 7.8 rebounds per contest. The Aggies score 70.5 points per game but allow 71.9, underscoring defensive vulnerabilities. The offense shoots 42.4% from the field. The Aggies force 8.5 steals per game, reflecting active perimeter defense. On the boards, UC Davis collects 33.5 rebounds per contest but struggles with consistent scoring efficiency.

Defensively, the Aggies will need to tighten up, as they’ve allowed opponents to score 71.9 points on 45% shooting this season. Rocak anchors the interior with 2.0 blocks per game, but the team’s overall defensive effectiveness leaves room for improvement. UC Davis thrives on forcing turnovers but the transition defense must be sharper against Pepperdine's fast-paced offense.

Pepperdine enters with an explosive offense, averaging 74.0 points per game on 45.7% shooting. Forward Stefan Todorovic leads the way with 20.0 points per game, complemented by guard Moe Odum’s 7.6 assists per contest. The Waves dominate the glass with 37.5 rebounds per game, providing second-chance opportunities. Offensive depth is a strength, as three players consistently contribute double-digit scoring.

Defensively, Pepperdine allows 72.1 points per game and struggles to disrupt opposing offenses, averaging only 5.5 steals per game. Forward Boubacar Coulibaly’s 2.0 blocks per game offer some rim protection, but Pepperdine’s defense is a concern. Home-court advantage (4-2 at Firestone Fieldhouse) could play a significant role in this matchup as they seek to rebound from a recent loss.

Pepperdine’s superior offense and home-court advantage make them the favorites. UC Davis’s struggles on defense and inconsistent shooting will likely hinder the ability to contain Pepperdine’s potent attack. Expect a high-scoring affair with Pepperdine pulling away late. Final Score Prediction: Pepperdine Waves wins 78-71.