College Basketball Analysis

*One play Friday:

LMU vs Pepperdine (-3.5) - 5:30pm Pacific - WCC Tournament - Game #749-750

These two teams met last Saturday in Malibu with Pepperdine winning by 6. LMU jumped out to a 27-13 lead as Pepperdine started an awkward "big" lineup on account of senior day including center Jesse Pinegar who had not played in 6 weeks. They started very slowly and seemed caught up in the emotion of the pre-game festivities. Once Pepperdine got going they did so in a big way eventually opening up a double digit lead in the second half. They let LMU back in the game late but still were able to prevail. The Waves have played much better basketball since employing a dual point guard lineup a month ago. Points have been up and turnovers have been down. Meanwhile, freshman center Russell Hicks has emerged as a defensive force inside, shoring up a big weakness early in the season. LMU has lost 11 of their last 13 games. They have had some close losses but the bottom line is that they are unable to score points in their half-court offense on a consistent basis. LMU only has one senior on their roster compared to Pepperdine who has four seniors in danger of playing their last college game tonight. The Waves are the superior team and are very hungry to make some noise in this tournament. Give the points.

Official Play: Pepperdine -3.5 1 UNIT