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 — Houston -4.5 first half vs. Texas Tech (-115, ESPN)
In the horror comedy classic “Zombieland,” Columbus (played by Jesse Eisenberg) lives by 33 rules with unbudging neuroticism. Four among those post-apocalyptic axioms particularly stood out:
1. Cardio
2. Seatbelts
3. Cast Iron Skillet
4. Swiss Army Knife
Why?
When matched against college basketball’s zombie horde — the Houston Cougars — teams must strictly adhere to Columbus’ statutes to remotely have a chance at survival. Exhibiting supreme game shape, proper protective measures, toughness and versatility are a must. If just one isn’t correctly followed, that’s a wrap.
Those who’ve tailed the Cougars on first-half lines have often counted winnings. This season, they’re a sparkling 27-5 against the spread with a +11.1 points margin (No. 1 overall) over first frames. That’s mind-blowing.
Houston is one the nation’s most balanced squads and an indisputable projected No. 1 seed on the Bracket Big Board for multiple reasons.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans’ NCAA Tournament projections ]
Over the past 30 days, Kelvin Sampson’s crew is top-10 in offensive and defensive efficiency, scoring a spectacular 1.257 points per possession while surrendering only 0.867 points per possession. Nettlesome gnats on D, the Cougars have forced a turnover on an obscene 24.2% of opponent possessions. On offense, they’ve been doing jumping jacks near the tin, generating a second-chance opportunity 31.8% of the time over their last eight games.
Generally insatiable, Houston never backs off the attack. Again, zombies, of the fast variety, apply. Hell, a disgruntled Sampson has continuously barked orders at his players even up 25. It’s possible that stern approach is why his Cougars are a NCAA Tournament title front-runner.
Currently ranked No. 75 in first-half points margin (+3.1), the Red Raiders are a good, but not great, opening act. However, to be fair, the Yosemite Sams have popped off down the stretch. With their projected seed number shrinking, they’re a respectable 5-3 over the last month, slotting top-55 nationally in offensive and defensive efficiency. Winners of five straight, including an impressive smashing of BYU on Thursday in the Big 12 Tournament, they’ll be a tough draw for any opponent.
Tech has its downsides, though. Over its past eight games, it’s a worrisome 215-plus in offensive turnover percentage, defensive rebounding percentage and 2-point percentage defense, all areas Houston thrives in. Hello, bad matchup.
In their only regular-season entanglement, inside the Ferritta Center, Houston raced out to a nine-point lead at halftime. Given the likely exploitation of Tech’s weaknesses and with Jamal Shead playing at a tremendously high level, a repeat is buyable.
Grant McCasland’s bunch may shoot for the head, but they’ll only graze a shoulder.
Season record: 17-14, + 3.58 units
BONUS TIME — Saint John’s +9.5 (-110, DraftKings)