Big Noise Tipico CBB parlay of the day (Jan. 8)

Multiple times each week, FTN Bets’ resident college basketball junkie, Brad Evans, will attempt to posterize the ‘books with his favorite selections, whether sides, totals, teasers or parlays. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — that’s up to you.

2-leg alternative line parlay play: Michigan St. ML, Davidson -3.5 (Tipico Sportsbook)

Odds: +129

Leg 1: Purdue at Michigan St. (ML)

Earlier this week, Tom Izzo sprinkled pixie dust onto his struggling Spartans and magically transformed them from inept executors into world class dual-purpose producers. Against a Rutgers team most believed was an upper-echelon Big Ten contender, Sparty plunged one short sword after another into the heart. They relentlessly challenged shots, holding Rutgers to a season low 0.66 points per possession. On the offensive end, meanwhile, they sprinted out in transition, scored easy buckets, dominated the glass (45-25 rebound edge), converted at the free-throw line and shot a scalding 42.9% from three. After slogging through its first four conference games, it’s 23-point dismantling of Steve Pikell’s team was a true great awakening. Purdue’s Trevion Williams is one of the best interior finishers in college basketball. He and Sasha Stefonavic comprise a deadly inside-outside punch. However, if Malik Hall and Joey Hauser stand their ground and their teammates exert pressure on the perimeter, State should extend its conference winning streak to three.

Leg 2: Dayton at Davidson (-3.5)

What could’ve been. This time last year, Dayton was hurtling toward a No. 1 seed. They had arguably the best player in college basketball, Obi Toppin, and a host of outstanding complementary players, a jet-fueled machine with National Title appeal. Flash forward to the present and the Flyers resemble a rickety Cessna. Plagued by turnovers (23.2 TO% in A-10 play), a turnstile defense (54.9% eFG% allowed in conference) and poor rebounding (190-plus in OR% and DR%), they are a squad unlikely to earn a NCAA Tournament at-large bid. Davidson’s brawn around the basket — Luka Brajkovic and Sam Mennenga haul in the boards — and scintillating three-point shooting (35.9% as a team) are enormous advantages. Coming off recent losses to comparatively inferior clubs LaSalle and Fordham, Dayton is likely to dig an even deeper hole. Wager on the Wildcats.

Column record: 3-7

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