Portland Pilots vs Pepperdine Waves NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 2/1/25
Betting on today’s Pilots and Waves game? Catch the action at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, CA, as the Waves hosts this showdown at 10:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this game is set at 150.5 points, and Pepperdine is favored by -8.5 vs. Portland in a West Coast conference matchup.
PORTLAND PILOTS VS PEPPERDINE WAVES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Portland Pilots +8.5
This game will be played at Firestone Fieldhouse at 10:00 ET on Saturday, February 1st.
WHY BET THE PORTLAND PILOTS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-71 in favor of the Waves.
- Even though we have Pepperdine winning straight-up, we like Portland at +8.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 150.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 148 points.
Can the Portland Offense Score Enough on the Road?
Portland Pilots Recent Game/Games
Portland’s season continued its downward trend with an 88-63 road loss to Loyola Marymount on January 30th. The Pilots, now 5-16, entered the game as +11.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 151, surpassing the O/U line of 145.5.
Portland struggled early, trailing 46-24 at halftime. While they improved offensively in the 2nd half, scoring 39 points, they still allowed 42 points, preventing any chance of a comeback.
Portland’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 35% from the field and 21.7% from three-point range, hitting 5 of 23 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 40%, but they did connect on 80% of their free throws, going 16 for 20.
Alex Merkviladze led the team with 16 points, hitting 3 of 7 threes, while Austin Rapp went 4 for 6 from deep, finishing with 14 points in just 16 minutes. Will Johnston also hit 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, contributing 13 points and 4 assists.
Despite Portland’s defensive struggles, they couldn’t slow down their opponent, giving up 88 points on 50% shooting. The Pilots allowed 19 two-point baskets on 35 attempts, a 54% success rate for the opposing team.
From beyond the arc, Portland’s defense conceded 11 threes on 25 attempts, with the opponent shooting 44% from deep. The Pilots also sent their opponent to the line 21 times, where they converted 17 free throws, an 81% clip.
Will the Waves Pull Through as the Favored Home Team?
Pepperdine Waves Recent Game/Games
Pepperdine improved to 9-13 on the season with a 98-90 road win over San Diego on Thursday. The Waves entered the game as -3.5 favorites and covered the spread, while the teams combined for 188 points, surpassing the O/U line of 147.5.
Pepperdine took control early, leading 55-40 at halftime. Though they allowed 50 points in the 2nd half, they managed to hold on by scoring 43 points of their own.
Pepperdine’s offense put up 98 points in their latest game, shooting 49.2% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 57.6%, and they connected on 30 of 39 free throws, hitting 76.9% from the line.
Zion Bethea led the way with 26 points, hitting 6 of 9 threes and shooting 72.7% overall. Joey Chammaa and Moe Odum each dished out 9 assists, with Chammaa adding 24 points and Odum contributing 18.
Despite Pepperdine’s defensive efforts, they gave up 90 points, with the opposing team shooting 45% from the field. Inside the arc, Pepperdine allowed 60% shooting, as the other team made 18 of their 30 two-point attempts.
The Waves also struggled to contain the three-point line, where the other team hit 10 of 31 shots, good for 32%. Pepperdine sent them to the free-throw line 28 times, where they converted 24 for 85%. The Waves limited offensive rebounds, giving up just 3.