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: Gonzaga (-16.5), Michigan (-5.5) (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +132
Leg 1: Gonzaga (-16.5) at St. Marys
Gonzaga/St. Marys is one of the more heated West Coast rivalries in all of sports. Historically, they’ve engaged in epic, high-emotion battles filled with hard fouls, four-letter words and breathtaking finishes. This year, however, the annual affair has lost significant luster. The Gaels, 2-4 in WCC action and 11-6 overall, are in rebuild mode. Meanwhile, the much-publicized ‘Zags are the frontrunner, per several oddsmakers, to win the whole enchilada come March. The first matchup in Moraga, a 73-59 win for the visiting Bulldogs, was indicative of each program’s current state. Though St. Marys did an admirable job controlling pace, they struggled to pass the pumpkin through the cylinder scoring a measly 0.88 points per possession. The rematch should be far uglier. Gonzaga’s offense, fresh off a 100-point hanging on San Francisco, continues to hum, netting 1.211 points per possession. Similar to the first tilt, a game in which the ‘Zags logged four double-figure scorers, Mark Few’s bunch will showcase too much firepower for the Gaels to keep pace. Playing their first game inside the Kennel since Jan. 23, Gonzaga should steamroll its arch nemesis.
Leg 2: Rutgers at Michigan (-5.5)
Teams off a prolonged COVID-influenced pause generally are at a significant disadvantage. The longer the duration, the more rust accumulates. That is, unless Michigan is emblazoned across the chest. What the Wolverines accomplished, closing out Wisconsin with an 11-2 run after erasing a 12-point halftime deficit, was nothing short of remarkable. Their unflinching defense (0.893 pts/poss allowed on year), ability to steadily splash threes (37.9%) and overall seamless execution (No. 3 KenPom) are qualities indicative of not only a likely conference champion, but also a national title contender. Rutgers has guarded terrifically this month surrendering just 0.922 points per possession, but ineffective from three (25.8%) and persistently unreliable at the free-throw line (61.6% on season), it will have to play out-of-mind to keep pace with the mighty Wolverines. With the dust knocked off and knowing their sportsbook owning dominance inside Crisler arena (8-2 ATS), they’re in position to joust the Scarlet Knights off the horse. Final buzzer, the marksmanship of Isaiah Livers (45.7 3PT%), Mike Smith (48.6%), Chaundee Brown (38.2%) and Eli Brooks (35.3%) will overwhelm a middle Rutgers perimeter D.
Column record: 23-27
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