Washington State Cougars vs Loyola Marymount Lions

This NCAAB matchup features Washington State Cougars (12-17 (9-6)) traveling to take on Loyola Marymount Lions (14-15 (9-7)) at Gersten Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA. The LMU hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the Washington St by 3.7 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup. LMU averages 75.2 points per game, but they face a Washington St defense that holds opponents to 77.6 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. The Washington St offense puts up 76.6 PPG and faces a LMU defense allowing 72.5 PPG. The visitors have the offensive firepower to stay in this one. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and LMU will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects LMU to win by approximately 4.4 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from LMU winning by 17 to losing by 8. The market has this game at +1.5, but our model sees value on LMU with a 5.9-point edge. Our line: LMU -4.4. Combined with the total projection of 152 versus the market line of 149.5, there are opportunities to find value on both sides of this matchup.

LMU has struggled this season at 14-15 (9-7). The wins have been hard to come by, and the team is looking for answers on both ends of the floor. Home court advantage will be critical for any chance at pulling off an upset. It's been a difficult season for Washington St at 12-17 (9-6). Traveling to face LMU presents a significant challenge, though every game is a chance to build for the future. When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.