Cougars vs. Waves CBB Preview & A Free Bonus Prediction

Washington State Cougars (7-4) vs Pepperdine Waves (6-4)
Thursday December 22
Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Center - Pullman, WA 2:30PM
Moneyline: none currently posted
Spread: Washington State -13
O/U: 128.5


Washington State

The Washington State Cougars are off to a pretty good start given they lost some key talent from last year’s team. They are 7-4 with all of their losses fitting the acceptable description. They haven’t beaten anybody of note and are unlikely to do so this season. This team is hoping to finish with a winning record and gain entry into one of the “other” post season tournaments. Anything more would be really unexpected.

The big question coming into the season was how the Cougars were going to replace the scoring of Klay Thompson. As expected, guard Faisal Aden has stepped up leading the team with 15ppg. The problem is he is not nearly as consistent as Thompson was and is coming off a poor game. Also stepping up though has been forward Brock Motum. The 6’10” junior has doubled his scoring but it would be nice to see more production on the boards. He should also be more of an intimidator on defense with that size.

Pepperdine

The Pepperdine Waves have gotten off to a pretty good start. They struggle with consistency but have to be proud that they beat Arizona State on the road. I know the Sun Devils are down this year but this is not a program that usually stands toe to to with the PAC 12 and wins. Unfortunately for Pepperdine the West Coast Conference gets a little tougher this year with the addition of BYU. They shouldn’t embarrass themselves but they won’t contend for the title.

Mostly they won’t challenge because this team really struggles to score. Their leading scorer averages only 12 points per game and they have only one other player in double figures. Against a bad UCLA team they only scored 39 points. They do have some size to compete and it should be a good matchup between Motum and Waves center Corbin Moore. This is going to be a struggle but the Waves can make a game of it if they can sink some shots.


Spread Pick: Pepperdine
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Washington State 69 - Pepperdine 60