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 — Colorado -2.5 vs. Oregon (-110, MGM)
Boulder-area residents peering outside their windows probably have drawn one immediate conclusion: “Stay inside, pour a stiff Stranahan’s and gloriously bet on basketball.”
For those who didn’t earn a Master’s in Geoscience with an emphasis in Meteorology like this wannabe Jim Cantore, the Front Range was pummeled by a March snowstorm, burying some parts in excess of four feet. Coming from someone who lived in Denver for seven-plus wonderful years, whiskey and gambling can be warm friends.
The Neon Deions, once squarely on the bubble, have catapulted safely into the projected Bracket Big Board field with a convincing and torrid run at the Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas. Roll Tad is in fact living up to his nickname as his team, regardless of Saturday night’s outcome, should have its name called on Sunday.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans’ NCAA Tournament projections ]
Scintillating in multiple areas, the Buffaloes rank No. 17 nationally, according to BartTorvik’s overall advanced metrics since March 1. An impeccable 5-0 during that span, they are top-70 in effective field-goal percentage offense and defense, the latter category being a radiant surprise.
Offensively, CU slices and dices teams with terrific spacing, strong cuts and effective finishes. Over their last eight games, in which they’re undefeated, the Buffs have shot 53.5% inside the arc and a ridiculous 42.5% outside of it. Colorado is one of the tallest teams in the country, so containing the length and marksmanship of Tristan da Silva, Luke O’Brien, Cody Williams and KJ Simpson are troublesome assignments for any opponent.
Barely skirting by UCLA and shocking Arizona, Oregon is improbably one step away from stealing a bid. And the retirement talk hovering over Dana Altman weeks ago? Well, the rejuvenated head coach is showing where people can shove those rumors now.
The Quackers have caught fire at the Pac-12 tourney, but at 3-2 straight-up this month, they’re still a middling producer. According to BartTorvik, they’re No. 164 in effective field-goal percentage offense and a puke-inducing No. 312 in effective field-goal percentage defense over that stretch. Most unattractively, Oregon has given up 38.9% shooting along the arc. Against CU’s plethora of triple threats? Holy bad matchup, Batman!
Colorado’s sudden willingness to play defense and its 3-point proclivity suggest it will roast the Ducks. I’m confidently laying the points.
Season record: 18-16, +2.53 units
BONUS TIME — UTEP +3 vs, Western Kentucky (-110, DK)