Big Noise Tipico CBB parlay of the day (Jan. 26)

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: Auburn (ML), Georgia Tech (+9.5) (Tipico Sportsbook)

Odds: +153

Leg 1: Missouri at Auburn (ML)

Underpublicized nationally, Auburn has morphed into a well-oiled covering machine. The arrival of freshman sensation Sharife Cooper combined with the sizzling shooting of Alex Flannigan (20-plus points in two of last three) has unlocked the Tigers’ potential. Now on the prowl, they’ve won three of their last four straight up, scoring the cover in each contest. The formula under Bruce Pearl hasn’t altered much in Alabama — play at a breakneck pace, score quickly in transition, bomb threes (43.4% of shots in SEC) and close out opponents at the free-throw line (75.2%). Missouri is a formidable foe. Its perimeter denials and effective scoring abilities around the rim matches up suitably against Auburn. How well JT Thor bodies up Jeremiah Tillmon could prove to be a deciding factor. Cuonzo Martin’s club does struggle in a key fundamental, scoring the basketball. Bogged down by turnovers and erecting skyscrapers from outside (29.9 3PT%), they often endure prolonged droughts. Auburn, in dire need of adding notable wins to impress the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, secures one for the resume.

Leg 2: Georgia Tech (+9.5) at Duke

Apologize for your whiny gripe toward a student reporter (contrition was warranted), but not for the product delivered on the court? Yep, classic Coach K. Duke is a heaping pile of rubber tires engulfed by flames. Presently more NIT than NCAA Tournament material, the Devils are in dire need of wins, of any kind. Suspect defensively — they’ve surrendered 1.060 points possession, 40.2% from three and 53.2% from two in ACC action — they allow opponents to waltz through the lane uninhibited and do a horrendous job on perimeter rotations. Equally untrustworthy other than Matthew Hurt from the arc (33.6 3PT%) and unopportunistic at the free-throw line (68.7%), Duke simply owns too many inadequacies. Georgia Tech fought valiantly in a two-point loss at Virginia. The inside-outside combo of Moses Wright and Jose Alvarado nearly sprung the upset. Burning the nets from three at a ridiculous 45.0% clip in ACC action, the Yellow Jackets pack substantial sting. Duke’s propensity for leaving jump shooters open could lead to a scoring deluge. If Tech’s pressure defense, which has forced a turnover on 24.0% of opponent possessions, coaxes numerous mistakes, it may not only remain competitive, it could exit Cameron victorious. Four straight Ls for the storied blueblood? It’s quite possible.

Season record: 10-17

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