Pepperdine Waves vs Santa Clara Broncos Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2026

Pepperdine Waves vs Santa Clara Broncos Betting Preview

The Pepperdine Waves enter 5-10 and look to test their shooting efficiency, while the Santa Clara Broncos aim to defend home court in this WCC matchup at Leavey Center.

Line Movement and Odds

Santa Clara opened as the heavy favorite, with the line reflecting confidence in their home-court dominance. Current market:

• Santa Clara Spread: -19.5 (-112)
• Pepperdine Spread: +19.5 (-111)
• Santa Clara MoneyLine: -4585
• Pepperdine MoneyLine: +1357
• Total: 150.5 (-110)

Track updates and sharper angles on College Basketball Odds.

Matchup Breakdown

Pepperdine Outlook

Pepperdine averages 71.3 points per game, with Aaron Clark, Javon Cooley, and Styles Phipps leading the offense. Their shooting efficiency (77.3% FT, 47th nationally) and balanced scoring highlight competitiveness. Their 1-3 road record underscores inconsistency, though their recent 69-55 win over Rice shows offensive potential.

Santa Clara Outlook

Santa Clara averages 81.5 points per game, with Elijah Mahi, Christian Hammond, and Dai Dai Ames providing scoring depth. Their shooting efficiency (53.9% effective FG) and 8-2 home record highlight offensive strength. Their 11-4 overall record underscores betting confidence heading into WCC play.

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

The game hinges on Santa Clara’s ability to maintain offensive rhythm, while Pepperdine must lean on Clark and Cooley to pace the offense. If Santa Clara controls tempo and boards, their depth should create separation.

Injuries / Availability

Pepperdine: No injury updates provided.

Santa Clara: No injury updates provided.

Environment

Leavey Center provides Santa Clara with a strong home-court edge, where they are 8-2 this season. Pepperdine’s balanced offense highlights their ability to compete in Santa Clara.

Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Santa Clara 82, Pepperdine 66

• Pepperdine +19.5 → Best Bet. Their free-throw efficiency makes them a strong cover candidate.
• Under 150.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower pace points toward a combined score below the line.

Santa Clara’s depth and shooting should dictate the game, while Pepperdine’s offense keeps the spread in play. Expect a competitive contest trending under the total.

Handicappers and Service Plays

Smart bettors know it’s about finding value, not just picking winners. Our Best Handicappers deliver strategies that go beyond box scores, while the Leaderboard shows who’s riding momentum. Detailed breakdowns in Buy Picks explain why certain lines hold value. For a matchup like Pepperdine vs Santa Clara, expert strategy can help you separate sharp plays from public perception.