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: Illinois (ML), Alabama (ML) (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +161
Leg 1: Iowa vs. Illinois (ML)
There a deep-seated disdain embedded in the rivalry between Illinois and Iowa. Stretching back to last year, players on both sides have housed an under-the-skin simmer. As a result, expect considerable drama in the rematch from the Illini’s triumph over the Hawkeyes in Champaign earlier this season. Both teams are top-five in KenPom. Both teams are locked into high seeds. Both teams have national title aspirations. Illinois top-10 in offensive and defensive efficiency in its past seven games has a distinct interior advantage. Kofi Cockburn’s mammoth width is problematic for Iowa’s all-time grinder and leading scorer, Luka Garza. In the first matchup, the senior, troubled by fouls, was more perimeter tied. Though Iowa drilled 10 triples, it converted just 44.7% inside the arc. Illinois’ stellar guard play from caped crusader Ayo Dosunmu, Trent Frazier and Andre Curbelo matches pound-for-pound the punches Joe Wieskamp, CJ Frederick and Jordan Bohannon are sure to throw. In the end, Iowa’s commitment to defense will decide what side of the ledger it lands. Since it ranks No. 51 in adjusted defensive efficiency this season and grasping how proficient Illinois has played over the last month, the Orange and Blue are the warranted play.
Leg 2: Tennessee vs. Alabama (ML)
Slaughter. Massacre. Slobberknocking. However you want to spin it, Alabama opened up an oversized can of whoop ass on Mississippi St. in the SEC Tournament. Barreling into the event’s semifinals, the Tide is in position to keep rolling. ‘Bama and the Vols last clashed, in their only meeting, in early January. On the road in Knoxville, Nate Oats’ crew clamped down defensively and held Tennessee to a deflating 0.91 points per possession. And that’s the overlooked part of Alabama’s game — defense. After its drubbing of the Bulldogs, no school has allowed fewer points per possession (0.861). Tennessee’s unsteady pressure along the perimeter — it’s given up 38.2% from distance in its past five games — is an ominous sign. Even if Rick Barnes’ guys continue to fill up the cup, an unusual development given their amplified inconsistency, the downpour potential from Jahvon Quinerly (44.3%), Joshua Primo (39.0 3PT%), John Petty (38.7%) and Jaden Shackelford (33.8%) will be too much to overcome.
Season record: 32-37
Sign up for Tipico Sportsbook now!
- Straight cash, no turnover required
- Proprietary odds, daily boosts, and promos
- Lightning-fast app, easy withdrawal
