Big Noise Tipico CBB parlay of the day (March 18)

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: Michigan St. (ML), Drake (ML) (Tipico Sportsbook)

Odds: +200

Leg 1: UCLA vs. Michigan St. (ML)

In the Year the Boring Blue Bloods, most decorated programs bombed, and miserably so. Kentucky and Duke are not even in the Dance. North Carolina, meanwhile, is a middling No. 8 seed. Elsewhere, Kansas, dealing with COVID-19 issues, isn’t a widely perceived Final Four frontrunner. First Four participants UCLA and Michigan St., too, are in the midst of disappointing seasons. Still, there’s a chance to save some face. In this battle of storied schools, a Sparty Party should occur inside Mackey Arena. Tom Izzo’s offense, dormant for much of the year, came alive down the stretch. Michigan St. played more controlled, minimized turnovers (17.3 TO%) and scored 1.082 points per possession in its last eight games. Rocket Watts, Aaron Henry and Josh Langford must continue to perform at an efficient rate. Also stout defensively, especially along the perimeter (29.9 3PT% D last 8), the Spartans should neutralize a Bruins team that butters its bread with triples. Throw in UCLA’s feckless interior defense (No. 208 in 2PT% D last seven) and the Big Ten reps are in line to march on.

Leg 2: Wichita St. vs. Drake (ML)

At 20-6-1 ATS on the season and with leading scorer/rebounder Tank Hemphill set to return to action after missing several weeks with a busted foot, the Bulldogs barrel into the postseason with tails wagging. Drake was one of the more efficient scoring offenses down the home stretch netting 1.173 points per possession (No. 14 in the country) over its last six contests while notching 55.1% from two and 39.1% from three. The triple threat of Hemphill, paint banger Darnell Brodie and rising star Joseph Yesufu will prove problematic for a Shockers team ranked No. 103 in adjusted defensive efficiency. Wichita, too, isn’t exactly lighting buckets ablaze on the offensive end. Slow in pace and three-point dependent, the Shockers finished the regular season No. 322 in two-point percentage offense. Barf. Brodie, an 18-wheeler who checks in at 6-foot-10 and 275 pounds, is a tough customer to score on. Hemphill may be rusty in his return and though still without point guard Roman Penn, Drake is in a great spot to secure its first tournament win since 1971.

Season record: 33-37

Sign up for Tipico Sportsbook now!