Have you ever had a day where it seems like you did nothing all day, yet you look back and you were more successful than you thought? That pretty much describes yesterday’s betting day, where my Eastern Parlay disintegrated before a ball was even tipped, as Sacred Heart was forced to forfeit because of COVID. That turned out to be a harbinger, as the rest of that parlay fell apart and Eastern Washington never got its nose in front and wrecked my Big Sky parlay.
And then I went and hit the hockey parlay, making the day not a total disaster. Sometimes, you just have to take your wins where you can get them, and that’s what happened last night. Hopefully, my Friday plays will be a little bit more effective. Here are my best bets for January 7.
XAVIER -5.5, -110
This will make my sister-in-law happy, as she’s had a soft spot for the Musketeers ever since her first entry in our family’s NCAA tournament pool. In this situation, I can’t see Butler hanging with Xavier, mainly because the Musketeers rebound very well and the Bulldogs do not. Xavier is likely to get an abundance of second chances, which means Butler has to shoot well to have a chance. Butler doesn’t shoot well and rarely breaks 65 points. That won’t work here.
MARQUETTE-GEORGETOWN O153, -110
This worries me a little, because Georgetown hasn’t played since Dec. 18 against TCU. But the one thing about the Hoyas is that they play fast, and so does Marquette. The Golden Eagles just embarrassed Providence and are likely due for a letdown, but that would probably come in the form of a high-scoring loss if it comes. Plus, I’m just not sure what I’m going to get out of the Hoyas. The over makes sense.
MILWAUKEE +6.5, -120
I think I might need this hook, because I genuinely don’t know how much to believe about the only two home games Detroit has played. The Titans have played twice at Calihan Hall and put up scores in the high 80s, which says the over could be the play, but the Panthers have covered in five of their past six games and only just missed a cover against Youngstown State. Plus, the road team has covered in eight of the past 11 matchups, so I’ll ride with Milwaukee here.
HURRICANES, -180
Carolina is rolling right now, and Calgary seems like it just wants to go home. The Hurricanes have the league’s lowest GAA, and even though Calgary is second in that department, the Flames just aren’t stopping pucks during this southeast swing. This is the time to back the home team.
NAVY TTO 75.5, -110
Navy’s offense isn’t great, but Bucknell can’t play defense worth anything. The Bison have allowed eight of their past 10 opponents to top 76 points, including giving up 96 points to Army the last time out. Navy has had a few swoons here and there, but the Mids should get the job done at home here.
