Pepperdine Waves vs Santa Clara Broncos Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Friday, January 2, 2026
Pepperdine heads to Santa Clara on Friday night as WCC play continues at Leavey Center versus the Broncos. The Waves are 5-10 overall and 0-2 in the WCC after a 72-45 loss to Saint Mary’s, while the Broncos are 11-4 and 2-0 in conference play following a 92-85 road win at Portland. Cash a winning ticket with our free college basketball picks.
Pepperdine vs Santa Clara Game Information
- Date: Friday, January 2
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Location: Leavey Center (Santa Clara, CA)
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Pepperdine Waves Outlook
Pepperdine is scoring 71.3 points per game and shooting 43% from the field, but the offense has stalled in its last two games with heavy losses to Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga. Javon Cooley leads the Waves at 13.3 points per game and has been their most reliable scorer, and Styles Phipps adds 11.7 points with a team-high 5.1 assists.
The problem has been on the other end. Pepperdine is allowing 75.2 points per game, and productive possessions have been tough to find with 13.2 turnovers per game. Phipps is also the top rebounder at 6.3 boards per game, but the Waves need a stronger defensive start to avoid getting buried early on the road.
Key Stats Per Game
- Points: 71.3
- Points Allowed: 75.2
- Field Goal %: 43%
- Rebounds: 35.0
- Assists: 14.3
- Steals: 5.5
- Blocks: 2.6
- Turnovers: 13.2
Santa Clara Broncos Outlook
Santa Clara brings the stronger attack, putting up 81.5 points per game while shooting 46% from the field. Christian Hammond leads the Broncos with 16.5 points per game, and Elijah Mahi is right behind him at 15.5 points. Jake Ensminger helps keep the offense organized with 3.8 assists per game, and this group shares the ball well at 18.5 assists per game.
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Defensively, Santa Clara is giving up 70.9 points per game and creates extra chances with 8.7 steals per game. The Broncos are also more careful with the ball than Pepperdine, sitting at 12.0 turnovers per game, and that matters in a matchup where Pepperdine can’t afford empty trips. Allen Graves leads the team on the glass at 6.6 rebounds per game and gives them a steady presence inside.
Key Stats Per Game
- Points: 81.5
- Points Allowed: 70.9
- Field Goal %: 46%
- Rebounds: 36.4
- Assists: 18.5
- Steals: 8.7
- Blocks: 4.7
- Turnovers: 12.0
Pepperdine Waves vs Santa Clara Broncos Prediction
Santa Clara wins this game by forcing mistakes, pushing the pace off turnovers, and getting the better shot quality through Hammond and Mahi. Pepperdine’s turnover issues and recent defensive breakdowns show up again against a Broncos team that has been steady on both ends. Final Score Prediction: Santa Clara Broncos win and cover ATS, 84-68. Check out all the sportsbook promos to see if you are getting a great deal on your bets on Pepperdine. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Santa Clara with the Kickr promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Pepperdine vs Santa Clara you are using the BetMGM bonus code.
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