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: New Mexico ML, OVER 142.5 (+105, MGM)
It’s impossible not to find a four- or five-star meal in Las Vegas. Whether enjoying a delectable delicatessen on The Strip or spicy Thai cuisine in a random strip mall off of it (been there!), the culinary haunts are endless.
What else triggers the salivary glands in Sin City? Mountain West Tournament action inside the Thomas & Mack Center.
My middle-aged, untoned body is ready. Bring on the bets. Bring on the consumption.
Scheduled to tip at midnight ET (let the tequila, coffee or both flow!) is Colorado State vs. New Mexico, an influential clash for teams aiming to impress the Selection Committee ahead of the bracket release on Sunday.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans’ NCAA Tournament projections ]
For Niko Medved’s Colorado State squad to boost its handsome single-digit standing, it must continue to ward off various ills.
Over the last month, CSU checks in as the sixth-best team in the country, according to BartTorvik’s analytics. During that span, it is 5-3 straight-up, ranking a “mid” No. 116 in effective field-goal percentage offense but a more attractive No. 51 in effective field-goal percentage defense.
Playing at a more deliberate pace than previous Medved teams, the Rams have done a phenomenal job owning the paint on either end, as indicated by their top-40 slotting in 2-point percentage offense and defense. The floor generalship of Isaiah Stevens and the versatility of Nique Clifford, Joel Scott, Josiah Strong and Patrick Cartier make the Fort Collins kids quite formidable.
However, New Mexico has found water in the desert. Long thought to be overly parched and likely NIT bound, the Lobos have lapped up wins and are resembling a fairly firm NCAA Tournament at-large team.
In its past five games, Younger Pitino’s bunch is THE best team in the Mountain West, according to BartTorvik’s metrics. During that stretch, New Mexico ranks an unsatisfying No. 213 in eFG offense, but No. 51 in eFG defense.
The Lobos’ taxing style of play (top 10 in adjusted tempo nationally this season), fantastic 1-2 guard punch of Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen House and praiseworthy defensive efforts are why they could soon hoist the hardware in Vegas. Also, they’ve snagged an offensive rebound on over 36% of their possessions this month. Waxing that glass!
CSU and New Mexico split the regular-season series with each team winning on its respective home floor. In a neutral environment in what will likely be a Lobos-dictated frenetic pace, expect another tight, yet in-the-70s, affair. For the reasons stated above, a certain SGP is calling my name.
Fire up UberEats, order that fatty sandwich and soak up the midnight hour. This semifinal clash should be spectacular.
Season record: 17-15, +2.48 units
BONUS TIME — Hawaii ML vs. UC Davis (+105, MGM)