MLB Best Bets – Free (Wednesday 5/15)
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: Indiana (-2.5), Boise St. (ML) (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +175
Leg 1: Minnesota at Indiana (-2.5)
Minnesota, possibly under snow drifts currently piled nipple high in the upper Midwest, often gets buried. As discussed repeatedly in this space, the Golden Gophers, when away from The Barn, consistently dig holes to China. In seven road contests this season, they’re an appalling 1-6 ATS. And that’s on the standard, not the alternative, line. The visible Jekyll and Hyde persona is backed by borderline obnoxious points per possession offensive/defensive splits (Home: 1.127/0.909; Away: 1.067/1.025). Can the Gophers perform even at a respectable rate? It may sound rhetorical, but the precedent is clear as day. To continue the trend, Indiana can’t let Marcus Carr and Brandon Johnson snap from their outside shooting funk. As a collective, the Gophers have shot a laughable 27.4% from three over their past four games. Pound the paint with Trayce Jackson-Davis and, when double-teamed, work the ball outside to sharpshooters Armaan Franklin (42.9 3PT%) and Al Durham (36.0 3PT%), and IU scores a much-needed win. Understand the Gophers rank No. 8 in two-point percentage D and No. 9 in three-point percentage D in the Big Ten. Also of utmost importance, the Hoosiers, backed into a corner, are desperate to keep their at-large hopes alive.
Leg 2: Utah St. at Boise St. (ML)
Cue Human League ‘80s cut Obsession. No, this hideous scribe isn’t interested in copulation with Boise St. physically, but metaphorical stimulation isn’t out of the question. Featured in this space an obscene number of times, the Broncos’ seductive length and athleticism are too irresistible to ignore. In a contest with mammoth conference title implications, Leon Rice’s crew should seize the moment. Trailing Utah St. by one game in the loss column, a two-game sweep inside ExtraMile Arena is imperative. To take Round 1, neutralizing Neemias Queta and Justin Bean in the post is critical. The Aggies lead the MWC in generated second chances. The onus will fall on Mladen Armus and Abu Kigab to box out and dodge whistles. If Boise St. can take advantage of the self-inflicted wounds Utah St. is often troubled by (20.4 TO% last five), it should lead to sprint out and bankable transition baskets, a team-wide specialty. In this classic battle off explosive offense (Boise) versus unbendable defense (Utah St.), the former should emerge the victor. If Derrick Alson, Max Shaver and Max Rice tickle the twine from distance, it’s likely the Broncos will only add insult to injury.
Season record: 22-27
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