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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 +9.5, Oregon St. -2.5 (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +122
Leg 1: Ohio St. (+9.5) at Iowa
You may be knee-deep in research on whether Jazmine Sullivan will surpass the 2:00 mark on her rendition of the National Anthem — BTW, I’m on the under — but Buckeyes/Hawkeyes demands your attention. Iowa isn’t the once-thought-of invincible squad originally perceived earlier this season. Luka Garza is still getting endless buckets, but unsteady contributions from Joe Weiskamp, CJ Frederick and especially Jordan Bohannon have applied dents to the outer armor. In losses to Indiana and Illinois, the Hawkeyes failed to surpass 1.08 points per possession. Despite the hiccups, they still rank No. 1 or No. 2 in the Big Ten in four different offensive categories, including three-point percentage (38.8%). Iowa’s biggest liability is its overly forgiving defense. In conference action, it’s surrendered 1.074 points per possession and 36.7% beyond the arc. Ohio St.’s depth, prodigiousness inside with E.J. Liddell, Kyle Young and Justice Sueing and defensive acumen (48.3% eFG% D, 29.7% 3PT% D) arrow to a tight gate-to-gate battle. With wins at Rutgers, Illinois and Wisconsin, the Buckeyes should push Fran McCaffrey’s bunch to the limit.
Leg 2: Washington at Oregon St. (-2.5)
Is the full Fade the Huskies play resurrected? After a brief return to respectability, Washington reverted to its incompetent and woeful ways. In an Apple Cup battle with Washington St., it crumbled due to turnovers, hilariously poor shot selection and bumbling overall execution. With its impressive wins against Utah and Colorado distant in the rear view, it scored 0.84 points per possession, committed 19 turnovers and allowed a massive 19 offensive rebounds to the Cougars. Still at or near the bottom in an almost uncountable number of offensive and defensive categories, the Huskies’ growing pains are clear and present. Despite back-to-back losses to USC and UCLA, Oregon St. is at least exhibiting signs of improvement. Though vulnerable on the glass, the Beavers clamp down on the perimeter leading the Pac-12 in three-point percentage D (31.1%). Their No. 289 ranking in mid-range shot percentage suggests it could struggle against UW’s 2-3, but active on the offensive glass, exceptional at the FT line and equipped with sharpshooters Jarod Lucas (42.3% 3PT%), Maurice Calloo (39.5%) and Gianni Hunt (38.2%), they have the gunners to soften the zone. Side with the hotter hand.
Season record: 15-21
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