Tip-off: Thurs., 7pm @ Leavey
TV: WCCNetwork
Line: Torvik- -13.5, 87% win probability; ESPN- 87% win probability, no line yet.
Pepperdine:
9-19 overall, 2-12 in the WCC. They’re playing better of late, coming off a relatively close/competitive loss vs. GU, won games vs. Portland and BYU the week before last.
Top Players:
6-7 sophomore wing Maxwell Lewis (17.7pts, 5.7rebs, 3assists, 35% from 3)
6-5 sophomore guard Houston Mallete (13.7pts, 4rebs, 2.6assists, 35% from 3)
6-11 freshman forward Jevon Porter (12.1pts, 7.2rebs, 1block, 35% fro m 3)
6-2 sophomore pt guard Mike Mitchell (11.4pts, 4rebs, 4.9assists, 44% from 3)
6-10 sophomore center Carson Basham (7.5pts, 4.4rebs)
Rotation is rounded out by forward Jan Zidek (good shooter, not an athlete), freshman forward Jan Pitre, and freshman guard Malik Moore.
As you can see, the Waves are extremely young…has to be the youngest playing rotation in the WCC and one of the youngest in all of the NCAA’s.
Porter has steadily improved, his scoring in the WCC is up to ~14pts/game and has become a 3pt threat.
The waves are fairly long and athletic, but aren’t very physical and are prone to being bullied. Defense (across the board) and rebounding are weaknesses. They’ve been inconsistent shooting 3’s but all starters except Barsham are 3pt threats, an area where they could go off and simply outscore you.
For the Broncos…we need to continue to play with the energy and effort we’ve displayed of late. And the more balanced production including contributions from the bench of late have been significant…hope that continues.
Prediction: Broncos prevail in a high scoring affair but don’t cover the spread, 85-78.
