Big Noise Tipico CBB parlay of the day (Feb. 14)

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: Wisconsin (+5.5), Maryland (ML) (Tipico Sportsbook)

Odds: +139

Leg 1: Michigan at Wisconsin (+5.5)

The last time Michigan took the floor, temperatures in Ann Arbor were actually above freezing. Ask any area resident, seemingly living alongside Wampas on Hoth for the last several days, and that feels like an eternity ago. How rusty the Wolverines, who last suited up Jan. 22 and have only had minimal practice time during the lengthy layoff, will be is anyone’s best guess. When fully functional, UM is a national title contender. Their brilliant floor spacing, ball rotations and unrelenting defense are exhibited in their top-10 national standing in offensive and defensive efficiency. Space eater Hunter Dickinson is an imposing figure for the Badgers. Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn brought the KABOOM in their last matchup, recording eight thunderous dunks. To compete, Nate Reuvers will need help-side assistance to collapse and frustrate the big man. In addition, Wisconsin must awake offensively. Over its last five contests, it ranks No. 122 in points per possession scored (1.052), shooting a putrid 30.5% from three. Still, as witnessed with other teams who endured a prolonged COVID-19 pause, the hangover is often hard to shake. It’s unlikely the Badgers will be Michigan’s hair of the dog.

Leg 2: Minnesota at Maryland (ML)

Well documented in this space, your chances of profiting off cryptocurrency advice from Ja Rule are better than building your bankroll wagering on Minnesota in away games. The Gophers are road wimps, a team that exudes an extreme split identity. At home, they’re a tough customer (1.13 pts/poss off, 0.913 pts/poss def). However, away, all they do is continuously dig deep holes (1.073 pts/poss off, 1.005 pts/poss def). To take advantage, the Terps need to emerge from their scoring hibernation. Over their last four contests, they’ve remained tucked inside their shells. During that stretch, they scored a horrid 0.959 points per possession, converting on only 28.6% of their three-point shots. And that’s the biggest downside for Mark Turgeon’s club. When triples aren’t falling, they are very beatable. Minnesota, too, can erect skyscrapers with perimeter bricks laid. In six road games, Marcus Carr and Co. have swished just 28.3% of their long-distance shots. Raising the stakes, Maryland, which has four Quadrant 1 wins, is 10-10 on the season and desperately needs all the triumphs it can muster to build its at-large case. With four of its final six regular season contests inside the Verizon Center, it has a chance to impress the selection committee, starting with a mashing of Minnesota.

Season record: 21-25

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