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: USC (+13.5), UCLA (+12.5) (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +138
Leg 1: USC (+13.5) vs. Gonzaga
In the timeless words of Sir Mix-a-Lot, the Trojans are “long, strong and down to get the friction on.” It’s indisputable. Unequivocally, USC will be the biggest test for the Zags in months. Whether operating in man or zone, the disruptive size of Evan Mobley, Isaiah Mobley, Isaiah White and Drew Peterson is unlike anything the Bulldogs have seen. Drew Timme is an artist around the rim. His clever pivot moves often leave the opposition in fits, but SC’s rim protection skills are unique. This month, Andy Enfield’s bunch have suffocated opponents to the tune of 0.863 points per possession, 38.7% from two and 32.0% from three. Gonzaga’s slew of uber-talented guards — Jalen Suggs, Joel Ayai, Corey Kispert and Andrew Nembhard — are capable of smoking any defensive scheme. However, if forced into more one-dimensional action, the Trojans should stave off a lopsided scoreboard. Equally important, if Tahj Eaddy, White and Peterson can plant their own haymakers from the arc, a close contest is near guarantee.
Leg 2: UCLA (+12.5) vs. Michigan
Fiery, tough and intense — Mick Cronin’s personality is starting to show up in the way his Bruins play. After absorbing a gut punch levied by Alex Reese, a buzzer-beating top-of-the-key three that forced overtime, UCLA didn’t backpedal, instead it pressed the pedal to the metal out-scoring the Crimson Tide 23-13 in the extra session. A mixture of finesse and brawn, the Bruins pile up the points. This month, they’ve tallied a dynamite 1.219 points per possession and splashed 37.9% from deep. Jamie Jaquez, Johnny Juzang and Tyger Campbell form quite the trio. Michigan, even down Isaiah Livers, has performed at a high level in this NCAA Tournament. They’ve totaled an impressive 59.2% inside the arc while allowing only 0.877 points per possession. Hunter Dickinson is a load and a difficult matchup, but UCLA has the offensive firepower to keep this sucker manageable.
Season record: 36-40
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