NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Table of Contents
Gonzaga looks to extend its home dominance on Wednesday night when it hosts the Pepperdine Waves at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, WA. Tip-off is set for 9:00 p.m. ET. The Zags are massive 29.5-point favorites, with the moneyline set at an eye-watering -30000. Pepperdine sits at +4000 to pull off the upset, and the total is listed at 147.5.
This is one of the biggest spreads on the board, and for good reason. Gonzaga has routinely crushed WCC opponents at home, while Pepperdine enters as one of the worst road teams in the conference. The betting value lies not in the outright winner — that part’s settled — but in how this game plays out across 40 minutes.
Let’s break down the angles.
NCAAB Lines Before They Move
See Value Before the Books Adjust
Pepperdine vs Gonzaga Odds
Here are the current lines for this WCC matchup. Always confirm the latest college basketball odds to track movement and shop the best numbers.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine | +4000 | +29.5 (-110) | O 147.5 (-110) |
| Gonzaga | -30000 | -29.5 (-111) | U 147.5 (-110) |
Pepperdine Betting Form
Pepperdine is 6-13 overall and 0-6 on the road this season. The Waves have failed to cover in four of their last five away games, and their defensive metrics have been bottom-tier in the WCC. They’re giving up 78.2 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot over 49% from the field — brutal numbers heading into Spokane.
Offensively, the Waves play fast and are heavily reliant on perimeter shooting. They rank top 100 in tempo and three-point rate but shoot just 32% from deep as a team. That math problem compounds when they can’t control the glass or generate extra possessions through turnovers. They average nearly 14 giveaways per game and often give up quick transition runs after misses.
Their best player, Houston Mallette, provides some scoring punch, but he’ll be facing a size and physicality mismatch across all backcourt matchups in this one. The Pepperdine stats and results suggest a team that’s already worn down — and things won’t get easier here.
If you’re even considering the dog side, check the Pepperdine injury report — they’ve had some lineup fluctuation, and depth is critical in potential blowout settings.
Gonzaga Betting Form
Gonzaga’s form has leveled up in recent weeks. The Bulldogs are 15-4 and undefeated at home, winning by an average margin of 26.3 points per game in Spokane. They’ve covered in four of their last five, including back-to-back 30+ point wins over inferior WCC opponents. This is their comfort zone — big favorites, home crowd, and tempo control.
Offensively, Gonzaga is elite once again. They rank top 10 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and lead the WCC in field goal percentage and assist rate. They run through their post players, but their guards — especially Ryan Nembhard — keep the pace high and the floor spaced. They don’t rely on the three, but when they shoot it, they convert at over 37%.
The key edge here is physicality. Gonzaga outrebounds opponents by nearly +9 per game and holds teams to just 29% from three. Their defense has gotten better as the year’s progressed, and their rotations have tightened — meaning fewer defensive breakdowns and more sustained stretches of dominance.
You can see the trends in the Gonzaga stats and results. Even when the Zags don’t shoot it well, they win through second-chance points and rim protection. There’s no indication of load management here, but double-check the Gonzaga injury report just in case a key player sits in a blowout spot.
Pepperdine vs Gonzaga Matchup Breakdown
This is a game about margin, motivation, and pace. Gonzaga plays fast, efficient offense. Pepperdine plays fast, inefficient offense. That’s a recipe for a runaway.
Matchup Edges:
- Rebounding: Gonzaga +9 rebounding edge projected. Pepperdine is bottom 200 in defensive rebounding rate.
- Paint Scoring: Zags score over 40 PPG in the paint. Pepperdine gives up over 54% on 2s.
- Turnovers: Pepperdine coughs it up often. Gonzaga converts those into quick points.
- Free Throws: Pepperdine fouls at a high rate. Gonzaga hits over 75% from the line.
One angle that may decide the cover is late-game approach. If Gonzaga gets up 25+ by the under-12 timeout, will they push for margin or coast? They’ve covered massive numbers recently, and Mark Few hasn’t hesitated to let the second unit run and extend leads.
If you’re new to betting blowout lines, check our guide on handicap betting and alternate total points to understand margin-based risk better.
NCAAB Lines Before They Move
Get Ahead of the Market Every Night
Pepperdine vs Gonzaga Predictions and Best Bets
It’s a huge number — but it’s justified. Gonzaga has covered spreads of -27.5 and -28.5 already this season against teams with better defensive metrics than Pepperdine. My projection is Gonzaga -31.2, and with the line sitting at -29.5, there’s still slight value if you’re playing full-game.
You’re not betting Pepperdine to win. You’re hoping Gonzaga eases up late. But in recent games, the Zags have shown no signs of backing off. Their bench plays fast, shares the ball, and defends just as hard. That’s what makes them a dangerous favorite — there’s no dead zone.
On the total, I’d lean over 147.5. Pepperdine’s only real path to a backdoor is to keep chucking threes, and they won’t stop pushing pace regardless of score. Gonzaga should get theirs easily, and any pushback at all from Pepperdine takes this over the number.
Best Bet: Gonzaga -29.5 (-111)
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Betting big spreads or blowout spots requires a sharper edge — and that’s where today’s college basketball picks from ScoresAndStats provide value. Our cappers break down tempo, margin, and market moves daily, giving you tools to attack every slate.
Track performance over time with the handicapper leaderboard and follow the top sports handicappers with transparency. Every pick is monitored — win, lose, or push.
Want premium exposure? Grab premium NCAAB picks for deeper breakdowns and sharper lines. And if you’re building your betting IQ, check out expert education like what is a unit in betting or what is a teaser bet to expand your strategy toolbox.
