MLB Best Bets – Free (Wednesday 7/24)
Josh Gross
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.
Alt-line play: UVA/Notre Dame UNDER 132, Providence ML
Odds: +126
Leg 1: UVA (3-3 O/U) at Notre Dame (4-3)
Equivalent to an asteroid hitting the earth or the New York Jets winning consecutive games against potential playoff-bound franchises (it really happened), Virginia surrendered a mind-blowing 98 points to Gonzaga the last time it jogged onto the floor. Overnight it slid from No. 1 in the country in D efficiency to No. 11. Credit to Mark Few’s juggernaut. In a contest in which normalcy should return, expect the Cavs’ pack-line defense to revert to its squeezing ways. Unlike the ‘Zags, Notre Dame prefers a halfcourt style. The Irish, No. 293 in adjusted tempo, execute their well-constructed offensive scheme terrifically (No. 26 in off. efficiency), but if UVA is allowed to set its defense, scoring the basketball becomes an arduous task. Similar to their 50-49 OT buckets bonanza from last year, a game escaping the 50s is unliking.
Leg 2: Butler (1-3-1 ATS) at Providence (3-5-1)
Revenge, in any sport, is a dish best served cold. When it comes to Providence, it’s aiming to plate a delectable pu pu platter encased in ice for the visiting Bulldogs. One week ago inside historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler handed the Friars a 70-64 loss. Both teams shot a frigid 9-of-43 from distance, but a decisive advantage at the free-throw line plus the Bulldogs’ stifling defense — Providence netted just 0.93 points per possession — proved to be the difference. However, against a BU squad No. 286 in three-point percentage D, it’s highly unlikely David Duke and A.J. Reeves tally a combined 1-for-13 again from distance. Win the rebounding battle and get to the line (77.2% in Big East play), and Providence exacts its vengeance.
Column record: 0-2 (Thanks, FSU)
