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: Virginia (+4.5), Washington St. (-4.5) (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +147
Leg 1: Virginia (+4.5) at Florida St.
Looking ahead? The Seminoles, who went to war with a basement-dwelling Wake Forest team in an underwhelming ACC, barely survived its overtime tilt last weekend. Straight out of hell, the Demon Deacons, unintimidated by FSU’s extraordinary length, screamed from the arc, draining a dozen triples. If the ‘Noles don’t extend and challenge shots against UVA, its chances of winning the ACC outright promptly go down the tubes. As much publicity the Cavs defense receives, which is warranted, it's their perimeter shooting that makes them most dangerous. This conference season, they’ve shouted “CASH!” on 42.2 percent of their trey attempts. Trey Murphy, Sam Hauser and seven-footer Jay Huff each net at least 43%. Across the board, UVA matches up beautifully with FSU in almost every category. Leonard Hamilton’s bunch thrives off second chances (34.7 OR% in ACC), piling up points at the free-throw line (77.4 FT%) and nailing three balls (41.8%). The Cavs, however, excel at sealing off the glass and contesting outside shots. Additionally, they rarely foul. Throw in FSU’s propensity for turnovers (20.8 TO%) and the visitors cement their standing atop the ACC.
Leg 2: Washington at Washington St. (-4.5)
The second go-round in this year’s basketball Apple Cup battle could resemble the first. When these two rivals exchanged greetings January 31 in Seattle, the Huskies mushed right off a cliff in a 77-62 defeat. Wazzu drew too much iron from outside, shooting 5-for-21, but it was its dribble penetration against UW’s beatable zone that pushed the margin. Off the bounce, Isaac Bonton, who scored 25 points in the game, was nearly unstoppable. As a team, WSU totaled a blistering 57.5% from two. Washington, meanwhile, scored a ghastly 0.83 points per possession. Expect more of the same in the rematch. The Huskies are completely atrocious defensively, ranking dead last in points per possession allowed (1.136) in Pac-12 play. Thanks to Bonton, the Cougars churned out the third-best overall efficiency rate among league clubs in their last five games. Over that stretch, they swished over 34% from three, snagged numerous second-chance opportunities and defended at an effective rate (0.923 pts/poss allowed). Hear the home team roar.
Season record: 21-26
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