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: Florida St. -2.5, Alabama -5.5 (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +125
Leg 1: Clemson at Florida St. (-2.5)
The ACC isn’t the damaging rolling boulder it once was. Blue bloods Duke and North Carolina are perilously hanging onto postseason hopes. Others sport nothing close to at-large-worthy resumes. At most, 4-5 conference representatives could dance this March. Barring a disastrous finish, the ‘Noles will be one of them. Florida State’s length, defensive aptitude and searing scoring ability make it dangerous. It ranks atop the ACC in effective field-goal percentage offense (60.8%), three-point percentage (44.2%) and free-throw percentage (84.9%). With Anthony Polite expected to return from a shoulder injury Saturday, the ‘Noles are in prime position to blast a fading Tigers team. Clemson checks in at or near the bottom in offensive and defensive efficiency, surrendering a substandard 43.1% along the arc in league play. Polite (53.3 3PT%) and MJ Walker (42.9%) are sure to open up the skies. Add in the intimidating post presence of seven-footer Balsa Koprivica, Scottie Barnes and Raquan Gray and a convincing win seems quite achievable. FSU, who lost by 10 at Clemson in late December, is plenty motivated to exact its revenge.
Leg 2: Mississippi St. at Alabama (-5.5)
In sports, copycat leagues are omnipresent. Schemes, sets and strategies are constantly shared across amateur and professional levels. When it comes to basketball, the NBA is usually the most influential brand. Many concepts — floor spacing, shot selection emphasis, rotations, etc. — are adhered to by high school and college coaches alike. Nate Oats would agree. Alabama’s head coach, a mathematician turned brilliant hoops executor, subscribes to a D and three approach. His team attacks the rim, jacks abundant threes (47.3% of its shots) and guards relentlessly (0.905 points per possession allowed). The Tide’s 23 buried triples and 0.90 points per possession allowed at LSU was exemplary of their end-to-end destruction. Unblemished in SEC play at 7-0 and highly ranked in multiple advanced metrics, they’re a serious Final Four contender. Mississippi St., No. 12 in three-point percentage in SEC play (36.8%), will try to unsuccessfully lasso the tornado. The predictable perimeter deluge combined with ‘Bama’s rigid interior defense — 60.7% of MSU’s points come from inside the arc — arrow to a potential throttling. John Petty and Peeps are 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight contests. ROLL TIDE!
Season record: 9-15
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