Stuckey, Wilson, Randle and Eli: Saturday’s College Hoops Moneyline Parlay

Well, it's time for our encore after hitting our inaugural college basketball podcast moneyline parlay last week for a cool +775 payout. No pressure!

For those of you that listened to The Action Network Colleges podcast this week, you already know what four teams we have selected for this Saturday. And just as a reminder: all teams are fair game except for double-digit favorites.

Let's kick things off with the massive SEC showdown between Tennessee (-2) and LSU at noon ET on ESPN. This week's four-team moneyline parlay pays +534.

YTD: 1-0 +7.75 units

Wilson: LSU +112

• Spread: Tennessee -2
• Over/Under: 157
• Location: Baton Rouge, La.
• Time: Noon ET
• TV: ESPN

In a game I make a true coin flip, I'm going to side with the home Tigers coming off a home loss. I expect this game to be close throughout, but I think LSU can pull it out due to its work on the offensive glass — where it ranks No. 6 in the nation.

I also think LSU can benefit some from a home whistle. The Tigers do get to the line more often than Tennessee in general and they are absolutely money when they get there at 76% for the season.

Eli: Maryland -280

• Spread: Maryland -6.5 vs. Ohio State
• Over/Under:  128.5
• Location: College Park, Mary.
• Time: 2 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN

Although this one could be considered a revenge spot following the Buckeyes’ 14-point home loss vs. the Terps on Jan. 18, Mark Turgeon’s crew owns a massive advantage on the glass, including the Big Ten’s highest defensive rebounding rate (24.8%) during the conference slate. The Terps should control the pace as a result — and they're also not afraid to run in transition when warranted despite their below average tempo.

Ohio State simply doesn’t present the length to match up with Bruno Fernando and Jalen Smith at the other end, either. The Terps’ frontcourt duo aids the conference’s fifth-highest free-throw rate (19.4%) while the Buckeyes have surrendered the second-highest rate in that department.

Maryland’s half-court offense is set up to own the paint and continue its surge with the big dance right around the corner.

Stuckey: Texas Tech -240

• Spread: Texas Tech -5.5 vs. Kansas
• Over/Under: 135.5
• Location: Lubbock, Texas
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN

I'm confident Texas Tech gets its revenge tonight in Lubbock.

The Red Raider defense has been nothing short of extraordinary this season. Their national rankings would even be impressive if you read them as conference rankings. Just take a look at a few highlights of their national defensive rankings:

• No. 1 in effective FG%
• No. 1 in Adjusted Efficiency
• No. 4 in 3 point defense
• No. 4 in 2 point defense
• No. 3 in turnover rate

And that last bullet is critical, as Kansas has struggled with turnovers, ranking No. 9 in the Big 12 in turnover percentage during conference play.

Plus, Kansas' road struggles are very real. The Jayhawks are 2-6 straight-up on the road this season, including one win in overtime at TCU. Their defense has especially struggled, allowing 73 points per game on the road  — including at least 65 points in all eight games. Why do I mention that? Well, Texas Tech is 18-0 when scoring 65 or more this season.

I think Tech gets to 65 and improves that record to 19-0 en route to a huge home win.

Randle: Wichita State -180

• Spread: Wichita State -4 vs. Memphis
• Over/Under: 154
• Location: Wichita, Kan.
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN2

Let’s not forget about head coach Gregg Marshall. His Shockers have won five of their last six games, including three consecutive home games.

Wichita State ranks 277th in the country in experience, so it has taken a while for Marshall to put the pieces together, but the Shockers still rank third in the ACC in 2P% defense.

Memphis is only 2-5 on the road in conference games and will not receive the 31-6 free throw attempt discrepancy as they did in their first matchup. Freshman Dexter Dennis is averaging 16 points, 10.5 rebounds, and is shooting 58.9% (10 of 17) from 3P over his last two games. I love the Shockers in a night game at home against a turnover-prone Memphis team.

Moneyline Parlay Summary

• LSU
• Maryland
• Texas Tech
• Wichita State

Pays: +534

Editor’s note: The opinions on this game are from the individual writers and are based on their research, analysis and perspective. They are independent of, and may not always match with, the algorithm-driven Best Bets from Sports Insights.