2. Keeping UCLA off the Free-Throw Line
Pepperdine shot 14-15 from the charity stripe against Irvine, while UCLA managed to get to the line 24 times while sinking 17 of them against SDSU. If Pepperdine can keep UCLA off of the line, despite their physicality, this would bode very well for them. The majority of the Bruin offense came from the stripe in the entire second half. If they are able to get 25 to 30 free throw attempts this time around, expect UCLA to win this one with ease.
Pepperdine does lose some size down low, especially if Jalen Hill suits up for the Bruins (knee). They’ll have to be tough down low and rebound the basketball well to keep UCLA off the charity stripe. The Waves had a plus-6 rebounding margin in their last contest, while UCLA was minus-6. Once again, if Hill is in the lineup and Smith was able to be on the floor more, that number would have been much different.
Look for Kessler Edwards to get to the bucket and draw some fouls. Colbey Ross is the WCC’s premier point guard and has a knack for finding the open guy while penetrating. Creating movement is something that will be key for winning this free throw battle.
With not a whole lot of depth in the frontcourt, it becomes even more vital that they keep out of foul trouble. The big-men for UCLA, notably Cody Riley, will force the issue down low and try to draw contact. Ohia Obioha and Chukwaka need to maintain their composure and keep out of falling into Riley’s game plan. If they can both stay on the court while keeping Riley off the free throw line, the Waves could see a 2-0 start to the year.