With a big front line, the Zags dominate the low post, and have one of the highest powered offenses in college basketball.<\/p>\n
Here are some NCAA Basketball Betting Trends which may impact this game:<\/strong><\/p>\n Pepperdine: 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games Gonzaga: 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games Leading the way is freshman Elias Harris, a guy who\u2019s totally come off the radar in his first year in Spokane. Harris is leading the Zags in both points (15.5) and rebounding (7.9) and is quietly playing himself onto the radar of NBA scouts. Center Robert Sacre also averages double-digits, while a deep backcourt including Matt Bouldin and Steven Gray balance out the Bulldogs. On the season, Gonzaga is ranked 12th in college basketball, shooting a staggering 49 percent from the field.<\/p>\n As for their opponents Thursday, there\u2019s no nice way to put it, Pepperdine has been awful this year. However, things appear to be turning around, as they\u2019ve won their first three games in West Coast Conference play, and are tied atop the standings with Gonzaga. Pepperdine\u2019s best player is versatile 6\u20193 sophomore Keion Bell. Bell does a little bit of everything for the Waves, not only leading the team in scoring and assists, but is also an excellent rebounder for his size, averaging five per game. Junior forward Mychel Thompson is Pepperdine\u2019s best player inside, averaging 12 points per game.<\/p>\n The Waves biggest problem, which could rear its head Thursday night, is a questionable defense. On the year, they give up 73 points per game, and allow opponents to shoot 47 percent from the field. Both are ranked in the 200\u2019s in college basketball.<\/p>\n It seems like simple math really, one of the best shooting percentage teams in college basketball (Gonzaga) is playing a team which allows one of the worst percentages on defense. Is there any reason to think the Zags shouldn\u2019t be comfortable favorites in this one?<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to note that Gonzaga has been playing great basketball of late, winning eight of their last nine games. The only loss in that stretch was to the No. 5 ranked Duke Blue Devils, a team that\u2019s playing as well as anyone in college basketball.<\/p>\n With Gonzaga at home, and playing as well as they have been of late, it shouldn\u2019t be surprising seeing them as favorites in Thursday\u2019s betting odds.<\/p>\n Expect them to not only win, but to cover the point spread as well. And come Friday, they\u2019ll be alone atop the West Coast Conference standings after defeating Pepperdine in Spokane.<\/p>\n
\nPepperdine: 1-4 ATS on the road
\nPepperdine: Total has gone OVER in 3 of their last 4 games<\/p>\n
\nGonzaga: Total has gone OVER in 4 of their last 5 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/media.partners.betus.com\/BANNERS\/basketball\/sportsbook_basketball_250x250.gif\")
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