Loyola Marymount Lions vs Washington State Cougars Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Loyola Marymount vs Washington State NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Pullman.

Loyola Marymount vs Washington State Prediction

Planning on watching today's Lions and Cougars game? Catch the action at Friel Court in Pullman, WA, as the Cougars hosts this showdown at 9:30 ET on ESPN+. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 150.5 points, and Washington State is favored by -8.5 vs. Loyola Marymount.

Loyola Marymount vs. Washington State Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Loyola Marymount Lions at Washington State Cougars
Where: Pullman at Friel Court
Date: Monday, December 30th
Betting Odds WASHST -8.5, LOYMRY +305 | WASHST -401 O/U 150.5

Lions Preview: Does Loyola Marymount Have A Chance at Friel Court?

Loyola Marymount Lions Recent Game/Games

Loyola Marymount fell to 7-5 on the season after a 70-55 road loss to San Francisco on Saturday. The Lions entered the game as +10.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 31-25 at halftime, LMU allowed 39 points in the 2nd half while scoring 30. The game’s total points of 125 fell short of the 138.5 O/U line.

Lions Offense Breakdown

Loyola Marymount's offense struggled in their last game, scoring just 55 points on 35.2% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 37%, with a dismal 15.8% from beyond the arc, hitting only 3 of 19 attempts. They also shot 63.6% from the free-throw line, connecting on 14 of 22 attempts.

Jevon Porter led the team with 22 points, despite missing all 6 of his three-point attempts. Malik Thomas added 19 points, hitting 3 of 7 from deep, while Marcus Williams contributed 16 points, shooting 50% overall and from three-point range.

Lions Team Defense

Despite giving up 15 offensive rebounds, Loyola Marymount held their opponent to 70 points on 38% shooting overall. The Lions allowed 11 threes on 34 attempts, a 32% success rate.

From inside the arc, the Lions' defense conceded 13 baskets on 29 attempts, with the opponent shooting 44% on two-pointers. Loyola Marymount also sent them to the line 16 times, where they converted 11 free throws for 68%.

Cougars Preview: Can Washington State Grab a Win at Home?

Washington State Cougars Recent Game/Games

Washington State improved to 11-3 on the season with an 89-73 road win over Portland on Saturday, December 28th. The Cougars entered the game as -12.5 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 162, exceeding the O/U line of 151.5.

Washington State took control early, leading 51-30 at halftime. However, they allowed 43 points in the 2nd half while scoring 38, a slight drop in defensive intensity after the break.

Cougars Offense Breakdown

Washington State's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 89 points with a 55% shooting performance from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 66.7%, thanks in large part to their 56% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 14 of 25 attempts.

The Cougars also dished out 24 assists, with Ethan Price and Nate Calmese each contributing 5. Price was a standout, scoring 22 points on 8 of 11 shooting, including 4 of 6 from three-point range. Max Mackinnon also added 22 points, while LeJuan Watts was perfect from deep, hitting all 3 of his attempts.

Cougars Team Defense

Washington State's defense gave up 73 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 41% from the field on 25 of 60 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 18 two-point baskets on 37 attempts, a 48% shooting rate.

From three-point range, the Cougars held their opponent to 30% shooting, as they made 7 of 23 attempts. Washington State also sent the other team to the line 18 times, where they converted 16 free throws, an 88% success rate. The Cougars allowed 6 offensive rebounds.

Lions vs Cougars Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Although Loyola Marymount has a straight up record of 1-2 in their last three road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 1-2. The team averaged 62 points per game in these games.
When looking at their past three matchups at home, Washington State has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 79 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Lions have a straight up record of 2-3 and an ATS mark of 3-2.
In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Cougars have a strong straight up record of 3-0. In addition, their ATS record was 3-0 in these scenarios.