Needless to say, who wins this game isn't in question. The Waves haven't played since Dec. 23 -- hey, well-rested! -- due to COVID issues. The lone reason I am taking so many points is that the Zags might be looking ahead to their annual toughest WCC game of the season: At Saint Mary's on Saturday. Coach Mark Few will get his starters out as early as possible in this one to gear up for the Gaels. Pepperdine is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings.

This will be Pepperdine’s first WCC game of the season, while the undefeated Zags are playing their fourth. The Zags are taking smart shots as usual and hitting 55.6 percent. This is the highest I can remember from a Gonzaga squad, but their defensive pressure isn’t as good as past teams. Pepperdine has been getting gutted by teams like Northridge, UCSB and Bakersfield -- 0-3 ATS their last three lined games. Look for the Zags to cover the big number Thursday.