Multiple times each week, The Gaming Juice’s resident action seeker, Brad Evans, will attempt to blast the ‘books with his favorite selections on sides, totals, props, teasers or parlays. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — but that’s up to you.
Sledgehammer Special — SGP: TCU ML, OVER 138.5 (+115, MGM)
Steers. Shiner Bock beers. And a bevy of quality college basketball to fear.
Forget football (only for a moment, locals), the Lone Star State has become a nearly unparalleled hoops haven. At the moment, the Bracket Big Board projects six teams representing “the whole other country” in the Big Dance. If you like ball, “God Bless Texas” indeed.
In a boot scootin’ battle all the armadillos will surely wager on, a pair of forecasted single-digit seeds are set to wage war inside the tight quarters of Schollmaier Arena. Though neither is catching front-runner Houston, the fight for Big 12 third-place honors is very much on. Grab the bronze medal and it will weigh substantially in the Selection Committee room.
Speed, second chances, transition buckets and unselfishness make up TCU coach Jamie Dixon’s brand. With a sparkling 12-2 home record featuring wins against Oklahoma, Texas Tech and mighty Houston, the Horned Frogs’ advantage in front of the partisan 6,800 strong is the fourth-best in the country, according to KenPom.
In those matchups this season, TCU ranks top-50 nationally in offensive and defensive efficiency, pushing the pace at the 30th-highest clip. No doubt, the Horned Frogs have the scoring balance and depth to wear down almost anyone.
The Bears, meanwhile, tickle the twine offensively in their own right. Since February 1, Scott Drew’s crew ranks No. 19 in eFG offense, converting 57.1% on 2-pointers and 38.2% on 3s. WIth seven-footer Yves Missi squeezing the orange inside, do-it-all point guard RayJ Dennis scoring all over and Jalen Bridges (39.4%), Jayden Nunn (44.9%) and Langston Love (49.3%) opening up the floor from outside, Baylor can score in bunches.
Monday’s outcome boils down to defense, which the Bears refuse to play. The Waco reps are No. 292 in eFG D in their last seven games. Blitzed by the opposition, they’ve allowed a staggering 39.7% on arc shots, No. 242 in college hoops since the month began.
The teams’ first clash in late January is in the running for Game of the Year. TCU won a 105-102 triple-overtime heartstopper in which Emanuel Miller and Jameer Nelson combined for 51 points.
In Monday’s rematch, it’s highly unlikely the drama will be as palpable, but in what should be a competitive contest, the SGP scrawled above is how this ‘book donator is handling.
As the old Texas saying goes, “Paint the town and the front porch,” TCU.
Season record: 8-4, +4.53 units
BONUS TIME — Lamar +10.5 vs. McNeese (-110, MGM)