Big Noise Tipico CBB parlay of the day (Feb. 21)

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: Ohio St. (+4.5), Drake (-9.5) (Tipico Sportsbook)

Odds: +137

Leg 1: Michigan at Ohio St. (+4.5)

Game of the Year? It’s a strong candidate. Due to COVID-19 upheaval, sure-fire blockbuster matchups have been few and far between. Within the monstrous Big Ten, Michigan/Ohio St. will have all the rivalry belligerence it normally does on the gridiron. Two projected No. 1 seeds. Conference title hopes on the line. Must-see TV. The Wolverines, barely tested this season, will be pushed to the limit. The Buckeyes, with E.J. Lidell, Justice Sueing and Zed Key, have the size to contain seven-footer Hunter Dickinson. Limiting touches to the big man would hinder the kick out game, which UM thrives on. Many have suggested OSU’s top-ranked three-point percentage D is bound to regress, but it’s yet to unhinge. Isaiah Livers (43.5 3PT%), Mike Smith (48.6%) and Chaundee Brown (38.6%) will attempt to crack the code, but the Buckeyes are capable of negating trey bombs levying multiple counterpunches. Justin Ahrens (46.7 3PT%) and Duane Washington (38.1%) can seriously stroke it. In terms of overall balance, Ohio St. is arguably Michigan’s biggest hurdle to date. With that in mind, bank on Brutus.

Leg 2: Evansville at Drake (-9.5)

Drake head coach Darian DeVries joined my SiriusXM show last week and, when prompted in a game of Head-to-Head, he, with an honest chuckle, admitted he would take a Phoenix summer over an Iowa winter any day of the week. With an at-large bid on the line and little-to-no margin for error, DeVries is also hoping his offense matches Sonoran mercury readings in July. Against Evansville, the Bulldogs should bake. The Purple Aces, who only draw 7-2 off-suit every time they take the floor, rank north of No. 300 in defensive efficiency (1.096 pts/poss), effective field-goal percentage D (56.4), three-point percentage D (39.9) and two-point percentage D (54.9). In other words, even down Tank Hemphill, Joseph Yesufu, Roman Penn, DJ Wilkins and Tremell Murphy should rack steamy box score numbers. Drake has performed erratically from three, but it’s ability to snag second chances (30.9 OR%) and kiss high-percentage shots off the glass gives them an enormous interior edge. The ‘Dogs’ unbreakable defense (0.970 pts/poss allowed) only tacks on to the lopsidedness.

Season record: 24-29

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