Washington State Cougars vs Pepperdine Waves Picks and Prediction for Saturday, February 28, 2026
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Washington State heads to Malibu for a Saturday night WCC matchup against Pepperdine. The Cougars are 12-18 overall and 7-10 in conference play, tied for 7th in the WCC standings. Pepperdine is 8-22 overall and 3-14 in WCC action, sitting 12th as it looks to play spoiler at Firestone Fieldhouse. Expect a fast-paced game where shot-making and turnovers decide it. Cash in a winner with our free college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, February 28
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Firestone Fieldhouse, Malibu, CA
- TV: ESPN+
Washington State Cougars Preview
Washington State scores 76.3 points per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and 37.5% from three, giving it the advantage offensively in this matchup. Ace Glass leads the Cougars, averaging 16.1 points per game and is also the teamโs best free-throw shooter (88.8%). Rihards Vavers averages 11.7 points and stretches the floor at 42.7% from deep, while ND Okafor provides interior production with 10.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game on 59.1% shooting. Eemeli Yalaho chips in 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds and is another long-distance shooter (40.7% 3PT). The concern is ball security: Washington State averages 13.2 turnovers per game, and if it gives Pepperdine extra possessions, the Waves can hang around.
Injury Report: Kase Wynott is a game-time decision. Dominik Robinson, Emmanuel Ugbo, and Casey Jones are out.
Key Stats โ Per Game
- Points: 76.3
- Points Allowed: 77.3
- Rebounds: 34.2
- Assists: 13.5
- Steals: 5.6
- Blocks: 3.0
- Turnovers: 13.2
Pepperdine Waves Preview
Pepperdine averages 71.9 points per game and shoots 42.8% from the field, but the bigger issue has been defense, allowing 79.7 points per contest. Aaron Clark is the primary scorer at 15.4 points per game and hits 38.2% from three, while Styles Phipps averages 13.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Phipps and Clark both average nearly three turnovers per game, though, which is a liability against a team that wants to run after mistakes. Javon Cooley (11.4 ppg) and Danilo Doลพic (11.3 ppg) add scoring, and the Waves are at their best when they push tempo.
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Injury Report: Danilo Doลพic is game-time decision.
Key Stats โ Per Game
- Points: 71.9
- Points Allowed: 79.7
- Rebounds: 33.3
- Assists: 13.9
- Steals: 5.9
- Blocks: 2.8
- Turnovers: 12.9
Washington State vs Pepperdine Prediction
Washington State has the better offense and more reliable shooting, which matters in a matchup featuring two defenses that give up points. Pepperdineโs best chance is turning this into a track meet and letting Phipps create, but the Cougars have more scoring options and can punish the Waves inside with Okafor while still spacing the floor behind Glass and Vavers. Washington State will stay near its season turnover average and control this game. Final Score Prediction: Washington State Cougars win and cover ATS, 78-72.
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Best Picks
- Washington State Cougars
- Over
