The #2 Gonzaga Bulldogs are set for a visit to Maui to take on Pepperdine tonight in a WCC matchup. Gonzaga has cruised through their conference slate thus far, with only 2 of their league games being decided by single-digits.
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It just so happens that one of those games was the first matchup between these two up in Washington where the Zags prevailed 75-70. So, what should we expect when these two square off for a second time tonight from the land of palm trees & sunshine?
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Gonzaga is coming off a complete demolition of a solid Saint Mary's squad on the road, pounding the Gaels 90-60. Pepperdine comes in having won 3 of their past 4, with the lone loss being a 79-78 defeat at Pacific.
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Filip Petrusev leads the Zags at 17.2 ppg & is shooting an impressive 57.6% from the field. Colby Ross averages nearly 20 per game for the Wave (19.8), and is nearly automatic from the foul line (86.7%). Both teams can score with Gonzaga once again being one of the top offensive teams in the country at 88.5 points per contest, while Pepperdine scores 77.2 per game. The Wave surrender an average of 77.4 per game, however, whereas, Gonzaga is markedly better on the defensive side, surrendering just 66.9 a game.
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PICK:
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Both teams have been okay against the spread on the season, with the Zags at 14-12 ATS & Pepperdine 11-14. The Wave played one of their better games of the season the first time these two met, and have been in a number of close games as of late.
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Gonzaga has bounced back and forth between a string blowouts with a close contest sandwiched in between. They are due for another close one. I expect the Wave to be ready and come in with a measure of confidence thanks to the way they performed when these two first met, and how they've played better as of late.
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It might seem counterintuitive to go against the juggernaut Zags, but it seems like this could be a "traditional trap game" after coming off the huge road win at Saint Mary's - a place where they have struggled at times over the years. I don't they are in danger of an upset, but the 15 seems just a tad high for my liking.
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PEPPERDINE +15.0 (Gonzaga 80 Pepperdine 68)
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Chris Elgersma
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You can find me on IG & YouTube @sportsguychris
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I'll be providing weekly top 25 rankings, NCAA tournament projections, and "bubble" assessments as we get closer to the Big Dance. Be sure to check back for plenty of college hoops coverage & everything else in the world of sports!
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