NCAAB · Final

Pepperdine Waves Defeat Washington State Cougars 88-79

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Firestone Fieldhouse

Pepperdine Waves 88, Washington State Cougars 79, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

The next free pick, for your email

Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

or by email

Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick

One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won Washington State Cougars vs Pepperdine Waves?

Pepperdine Waves beat Washington State Cougars 88-79 at Firestone Fieldhouse on February 28, 2026.

Who was favored in Washington State Cougars vs Pepperdine Waves?

Washington State Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -355 (about 78% implied). The underdog won.

In a surprising turn of events, the Pepperdine Waves triumphed over the Washington State Cougars with a final score of 88-79. This victory marks a significant moment for the Waves, who had been struggling with a home record of 9-22 prior to this game. The matchup took place at Firestone Fieldhouse, where the Waves managed to break a two-game losing streak, showcasing a strong offensive performance.

The Waves entered the game with a recent form of 2-8 over their last ten games, averaging 76.5 points scored per game while allowing 88.0 points. Their last five games had seen them record an average of 79.6 points scored and 86.8 points allowed. In contrast, the Cougars had a record of 12-19 for the season and were 4-6 in their last ten games, averaging 79.0 points scored and 78.0 points allowed. However, they were also on a two-game losing streak, which included a narrow loss to the Loyola Marymount Lions just days before this matchup.

Historically, the Waves had struggled against the Cougars, holding a 0-3 record in their previous meetings, including a loss earlier in the season on January 24, where they fell 79-95. This game was crucial for Pepperdine, not only for their standings but also to gain some much-needed confidence against a team that had bested them in prior encounters.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability for either team, but both squads were likely to be feeling the effects of a long season as they approached the end of their respective campaigns.

The betting market, provided by DraftKings, had the Cougars as 7.5-point favorites, with a total set at 158.5. The odds reflected a belief that Washington State would perform well, but the Waves defied expectations with their victory. The home moneyline was priced at 280.0, while the away moneyline was set at -355.0, indicating a strong belief in the Cougars' chances prior to the game.

Conditions for the game were typical for a late winter evening in California, with no adverse weather reported that would have affected play. Fans at Firestone Fieldhouse witnessed a competitive atmosphere, which likely contributed to the Waves' spirited performance.

Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays that allowed the Waves to maintain their lead in the second half. Notably, Aaron Clark made crucial free throws, and Stefan Cicic executed a spectacular alley-oop dunk, which energized the home crowd. The Waves also benefited from three-point shots, with Eemeli Yalaho hitting a significant 25-foot jumper that helped solidify their advantage.

Overall, this game was a testament to the Waves' resilience and ability to rise to the occasion, particularly against an opponent that had previously dominated them. The final score of 88-79 not only reflects a turnaround in their season but also sets a tone for the remaining games as they look to build on this momentum.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	WSU -7.5	158.5 o -105 / u -115	Washington State Cougars -355 · Pepperdine Waves +280

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsStefan Cicic23Pepperdine Waves
AssistsStyles Phipps9Pepperdine Waves
ReboundsStefan Cicic10Pepperdine Waves
PointsAce Glass22Washington State Cougars
AssistsEemeli Yalaho4Washington State Cougars
ReboundsND Okafor10Washington State Cougars

Recent form