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.
2-leg alternative line parlay play: Maryland +7.5 Colorado St. +10.5 (Tipico)
Odds: +137
Leg 1: Maryland (+7.5) at Indiana
Shellacked on New Year’s Eve by a rocking and rolling Michigan squad, the Terps, kicking their legs feverishly while laid out on their backs, will attempt to get right in Bloomington. Mark Turgeon’s group matches up wonderfully with the Hoosiers. If they defend the post with the resolution displayed recently in Madison, they could steal a victory straight up. Trayce Jackson-Davis is the scoring engine for IU. How well Donta Scott bodies up the All-B1G candidate could decide the game’s course. The Terps’ outside shooting could, too. Eric Ayala, Scott, Hakim Hart and Janus Hamilton each net at least 35 percent from three. Indiana has its fair share of sharpshooters, Arman Franklin splashes 47.6 percent from three, but their occasional scoring mundaneness drags the profile. Most importantly, Maryland’s judiciousness on offense (13.2 TO% in B1G action) – IU is highly reliant on forcing turnovers – should keep it competitive until the bitter end, unlike the feigned effort by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Leg 2: Colorado St. (+10.5) at San Diego St.
Erasing a 26-point deficit last time out inside Viejas Arena, a school record, Colorado State showcased a never-say-die attitude in its improbable 70-67 upset last Saturday. In the rematch, the Rams must start fast to prevent from falling into an early sinkhole. Establishing David Roddy and James Moors inside will be key. If the paint patrollers clean up around the basket, they should provide the balance needed to spring CSU’s outside game. Just over 45 percent of its shots come from distance. Converting 37.7 percent of those opportunities, John Tonje, Adam Thistlewood and others ceaselessly bury moneyballs. Hang tough on the glass and extend arms along the arc and they could pull off a stunning sweep at the Aztec Bowl. Do so and Nico Medved will officially have the entire Mountain West on notice. At a minimum, bank on another barn burner. RAM IT!
Season record: 2-4
