The Waves led by 24 at halftime and 35 pts with about 9 minutes left before taking their foot off the gas and coasting to a 85-68 victory of Pacific (was 5-1 and 2-0 in conference). Pepperdine played UCLA very tough earlier this year (2ot loss) and blew a big lead against SDSU but have some bad losses as well. It seems they play up and down to the level of their competition.

I think the Waves will be a very tough match up especially playing them back to back. I remember a few years ago when BYU played USD in consecutive games. The Cougars squeaked out a 69-67 last second victory at USD and then won 91-33 in Provo two days later. BYU may be the better team this week but I think playing back to back gives the poorer team a better chance of stealing a game. Even more so without fans to help the team here in Provo.

I'm expecting a split with Pepperdine unfortunately.

Also, I noticed BYU is scheduled to play Pacific only once this year, in Stockton. That will make two straight years without Pacific coming to Provo. Kind of an odd scheduling quirk.