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: Illinois (-10.5), VCU (ML) (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +144
Leg 1: Illinois (-10.5) at Nebraska
This matchup is a classic example of two programs heading in very different directions. Illinois is a rocket ship hurtling toward the outer reaches of the atmosphere. The Illini have conquered their midseason bout of unevenness and delivered consistent half-to-half efforts, witnessed in triumphs over Penn St, Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin. Ayo Dosunumu, fresh off only the third triple-double in program history, has electrified as a scorer, disher and defender. Meanwhile, Kofi Cockburn, the nation’s leader in double-doubles, continues to throw down monstrous Shaq-like dunks on the competition. What’s really stabilized the Illini is the rise of Trent Frazier. His steady box score contributions have provided them with a critical third scorer. Ridiculously balanced — Illinois ranks top-12 in offensive and defensive efficiency nationally — and generally unselfish, Brad Underwood’s squad is clicking at the right time. Nebraska, nearly in every category, is completely outmatched. To compete, the ‘Huskers, No. 13 or No. 14 in Big Ten play in almost every offensive category imagined, must log an out of body experience, which seems highly unlikely. Lay the chalk with supreme confidence.
Leg 2: St. Bonaventure at VCU (ML)
A Game of the Year candidate in the underpublicized Atlantic 10, this must-see matchup should come down to the bitter end. Back-to-back in the KenPom ranks, the Bonnies and Rams are practically mirror images. The visitors, however, do have a distance advantage in the post. The relentless glass efforts of Osun Osunniyi, Jalen Adaway and Anthony Roberts explain why the Bonnies generate a second chance on a league-best 35.0% of their possessions. VCU, one of the weakest rebounding teams in the A-10, must box out effectively to prevent easy cleanups. Still, the Rams’ ceaseless ability to force turnovers (25.6 TO% D), convert on threes (36.0 3PT%) and cash in at the free throw line (75.1 FT%) gives them the advantage. Bonaventure smashed VCU by 16 inside the Reilly Center January 20. In that game it was the Rams’ turnover problems and lackluster interior execution (27.5 2PT%) that proved to be the difference. Expect a very different outcome the second go round.
Season record: 20-25
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