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: Colorado -5.5, OVER 149.5 (+100, MGM)
Last fall, Boulder was the epicenter of the college sports universe. Notable pregame broadcasters strolled down Pearl Street, hip-hop stars made sideline appearances and Blenders Eyewear sales skyrocketed. The hype around a Buffs team far exceeding expectations was unmistakably attention grabbing. Hey, Deion Sanders knows how to grab the spotlight and fully understands the importance of making money.
Of course, reality eventually set in. The hype train derailed, as Coach Prime’s squad lost its last six games to finish last in the Pac-12 at 1-8 (4-8 overall).
On the hardwood, Colorado has experienced a similar season, but in reverse.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans’ NCAA Tournament projections ]
Tad Boyle’s Buffaloes were a middling 7-7 in Pac-12 play in mid-February, but they have won three straight games. The late-season surge has swelled CU's NET ranking into the top 30 and squarely placed it on the bubble.
With zero margin for error, Colorado must handle its business over the final three conference games to present an at-large argument for the NCAA Tournament. As the Bracket Big Board portrays, Utah, St. John’s and Wake Forest, among others, are also vying for the Selection Committee’s affections.
The heat is undoubtedly on. Sunday night’s matchup against Stanford at the CU Event Center is a must win.
Over the last 30 days, the Buffaloes have stampeded the competition on offense. Over that span, Roll Tad and company are No. 32 in points per possession scored (1.176) and No. 46 in effective field-goal percentage offense. They’ve swished the cylinder regularly from three (39.5% in their last seven games), and they’re frequently converting on freebies and staying aggressive on the offensive glass.
On the downside, the Buffs are more burgers defensively. Since mid-January, they’re No. 184 in eFG defense, allowing 52.4% from two and a demoralizing 40.4% from three. Though terrific sealing off the glass, their ability to defend is highly questionable.
As for smartypants Stanford, it’s a team with a failing grade in multiple areas.
Just 2-7 straight-up in its last nine games, the Cardinal has bombed in Defense 101, checking in at No. 323 in eFG D. More distinctly, it has allowed 54.3% from two and a puke-inducing 37.9% from three. Equally horrific on the glass (230+ in OR% and DR% since Feb. 1) and prone to self-inflicted wounds (No. 316 in TO% offense), Jerod Haase’s club is quite crushable.
Bottom line: Colorado must consistently challenge shots, especially on the perimeter, and limit miscues (No. 226 in TO% offense since Jan. 15) to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive. Knowing the pace of play will likely be brisk against Stanford, CU comfortably reaches the 80s and avoids a resume ankle twist.
Season record: 9-9, +0.78 units
BONUS TIME — Nebraska -8.5 vs. Rugers (-110, MGM)