Pepperdine Waves Defeat Rice Owls 84-62 in Dominant Performance
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Firestone Fieldhouse
Pepperdine Waves 84, Rice Owls 62, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Rice Owls vs Pepperdine Waves?
Pepperdine Waves beat Rice Owls 84-62 at Firestone Fieldhouse on December 20, 2025.
Who was favored in Rice Owls vs Pepperdine Waves?
Rice Owls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
The Pepperdine Waves delivered a commanding performance against the Rice Owls, winning 84-62 in a decisive matchup at Firestone Fieldhouse. This victory marks a significant moment for the Waves, who improved their record to 6-8, while the Owls fell to 6-8 as well. The Waves' ability to dominate the game was evident throughout, particularly in the second half where they maintained control and outscored the Owls significantly.
In terms of recent form, the Waves entered the game with a record of 3-7 over their last ten contests, having lost their previous game against Long Beach State Beach 78-81. Their scoring average in these last ten games was 73.3 points per game, while they allowed an average of 74.4 points. At home, they had a record of 2-4, and their last five games reflected a struggling trend with a record of 1-4 and an average of 67.2 points scored against 72.4 points allowed. Conversely, the Owls had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, riding a four-game winning streak prior to this matchup. They had recently defeated Southwestern Christian U Eagles 94-47, showcasing their offensive capabilities with an average of 75.6 points scored and 75.0 points allowed in their last ten games.
When examining their performance at home versus away, the Waves had a home record of 5-8 and the Owls had an away record of 0-3. This game was particularly significant as it showcased the Waves' ability to capitalize on their home advantage, especially after struggling in previous outings. The matchup also featured a betting line from DraftKings, which had the Owls favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 140.5. The odds reflected a competitive expectation, but the Waves' performance certainly defied those expectations.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any key players missing from either side, suggesting both teams were at full strength for this encounter. The absence of significant injuries likely played a role in the Waves' ability to execute their game plan effectively.
The conditions at Firestone Fieldhouse were conducive to a high-energy game, and the Waves took full advantage of their home court. The scoring plays in the second half highlighted the Waves' dominance, as they consistently extended their lead. Notable moments included Eternity Eguagie's driving layup and subsequent free throws, which showcased the Waves' ability to maintain pressure on the Owls.
As the game progressed, the Waves' home win probability reached 1.0, indicating their firm control over the match. The final score of 84-62 reflected a well-rounded team effort from the Waves, who capitalized on their home advantage and executed their strategy effectively against the Owls.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | RICE -1.5 | 140.5 o -112 / u -108 | Rice Owls -122 · Pepperdine Waves +102 |
Leaders
- PointsAaron Clark25Pepperdine Waves
- AssistsStyles Phipps6Pepperdine Waves
- ReboundsYonatan Levy7Pepperdine Waves
- PointsTrae Broadnax19Rice Owls
- AssistsJalen Smith4Rice Owls
- ReboundsTrae Broadnax8Rice Owls
Recent form
Pepperdine Waves
Last 10: 3-7Streak L173.3 scored · 74.4 allowed per game2-4 at home
- L78-81at Long Beach State BeachDec 19
- W70-62at Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersDec 14
- L56-65vs Vermont CatamountsDec 6
- L63-71vs Abilene Christian WildcatsDec 3
- L69-83at Cal State Fullerton TitansNov 29
- L53-76at Fresno State BulldogsNov 27
- L60-63vs Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksNov 22
- W90-79vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersNov 19
- L81-88vs Northern Colorado BearsNov 16
- W113-76vs Lincoln (CA) OaklandersNov 12
Rice Owls
Last 10: 5-5Streak W475.6 scored · 75 allowed per game0-3 away
- W94-47vs Southwestern Christian U EaglesDec 17
- W77-76vs Arkansas State Red WolvesDec 13
- W77-72vs Texas State BobcatsDec 4
- W81-62vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesNov 26
- L63-78at Florida Gulf Coast EaglesNov 26
- L84-89at Kennesaw State OwlsNov 24
- L74-90vs Tarleton State TexansNov 21
- L66-91at Tennessee VolunteersNov 18
- W71-64vs East Texas A&M LionsNov 15
- L69-81vs Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksNov 12
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Florida | 25-9 | - | 15-3 |
| Tulsa | 30-8 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Wichita State | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| UAB | 20-12 | 4 | 11-7 |
| North Texas | 19-14 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Florida Atlantic | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Charlotte | 17-17 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Tulane | 18-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Temple | 16-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Memphis | 13-19 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rice | 13-18 | 8 | 7-11 |
| East Carolina | 11-20 | 9 | 6-12 |
| UTSA | 5-25 | 14 | 1-17 |
| Gonzaga | 31-4 | - | 16-2 |
| Saint Mary's | 27-6 | - | 16-2 |
| Santa Clara | 26-9 | 1 | 15-3 |
| Oregon State | 17-16 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Seattle U | 21-14 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Pacific | 18-15 | 8 | 8-10 |
| San Francisco | 17-16 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Washington State | 12-20 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Loyola Marymount | 15-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Portland | 15-19 | 10 | 6-12 |
| San Diego | 12-21 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Pepperdine | 9-23 | 12 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Rice Owls | Pepperdine Waves |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-63 | 29-59 |
| Field goal % | 33 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 5-20 | 13-24 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 54 |
| Free throws | 15-22 | 13-16 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 27 |
| Assists | 9 | 16 |
| Steals | 8 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 4 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 30 |
| Fouls | 16 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 22 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 5 | 93 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half34-46Jimmy Oladokun Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-48Aaron Clark makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half37-48Jalen Smith makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cam Carroll assists)
- 2nd Half38-48Eternity Eguagie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-48Eternity Eguagie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-49Stefan Cicic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-50Aaron Clark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-51Aaron Clark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-51Andrew Akuchie makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half41-53Danilo Dožic makes layup (Styles Phipps assists)
- 2nd Half43-53Trae Broadnax makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-55Styles Phipps makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half43-56Aaron Clark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-58Javon Cooley makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half45-58Eternity Eguagie makes driving layup (Jalen Smith assists)
- 2nd Half45-60Stefan Cicic makes layup (Danilo Dožic assists)
- 2nd Half47-60Andrew Akuchie makes layup (Jalen Smith assists)
- 2nd Half49-60Trae Broadnax makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-60Jimmy Oladokun Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-60Trae Broadnax makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-63Javon Cooley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Styles Phipps assists)
- 2nd Half54-63Jalen Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half54-65Yonatan Levy makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-65Stephen Giwa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-65Stephen Giwa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-68Javon Cooley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Styles Phipps assists)
- 2nd Half58-68Eternity Eguagie makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-71Javon Cooley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Aaron Clark assists)
- 2nd Half58-74Aaron Clark makes 24-foot three point jumper (Styles Phipps assists)
- 2nd Half58-75Aaron Clark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-76Aaron Clark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-79Aaron Clark makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half60-79Eternity Eguagie makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-79Eternity Eguagie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-80Styles Phipps makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-81Styles Phipps makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-81Trae Broadnax makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-82Aaron Clark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-83Aaron Clark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-84Javon Cooley makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Pepperdine Waves, below favours Rice Owls.
Venue
- Firestone FieldhouseMalibu, CA
- Attendance566
- OfficialsDoug Sturdivan, Antinio Petty, Grant Jeffres
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