The Big Sky did it for me again. There’s a reason that every Thursday piece has included a Big Sky parlay ever since basketball season began: because it works. That’s at least the third time I’ve nailed a Big Sky parlay this season, and each one has gone for at least +450. You don’t have to do the math to know that’s a nice amount of cash when it wins.
There’s not a big slate of games today, but we have a few options available as we get set for Saturday’s smorgasbord. Here are my best plays for February 4.
SAINT PETER’S -6, -110
I really feel for Saint Peter’s, because if they didn’t have to share a league with Iona, they’d be a favorite to get to the NCAA tournament and scare the heck out of a No. 4 seed in the first round. As such, they’re stuck playing second fiddle behind the Gaels in the Metro Atlantic. The Peacocks are 7-2-1 ATS in league play and have covered seven of their past nine overall. I think they can handle Quinnipiac at home after beating the Bobcats by 10 on the road in December.
RICHMOND -3, -110
The Spiders are a risk here because they haven’t figured out how to play at home this year, but they’re the more talented team and St. Bonaventure seems to have forgotten how to play defense. The Bonnies aren’t getting the stops they need, and their offense is almost entirely dependent on getting fouled. Richmond doesn’t foul often.
FAIRFIELD-MONMOUTH U134.5, -115
These teams played out a rock fight last time, with Monmouth escaping with a 61-58 victory. That was with the Hawks shooting 49% in the win and the Stags shooting 42% from behind the arc. But neither Fairfield nor Monmouth shoots that well in normal conditions, which says that this isn’t going to be a high-scoring rematch. Look for another battle near the 120s.
WRIGHT STATE -4, -110
If I was going to take them yesterday before the snowstorm hit, I’m certainly going to back the Raiders again today. I don’t think pushing the game back a day is going to hurt Wright State at all; they’re still facing a team they’ve historically dominated and they’re at home. I like my chances here.
NEVADA TTU 61.5, -110
The last time the Wolf Pack faced Fresno State, they shot the lights out in a 77-73 win at home. That’s not likely to happen again in the Save Mart Center, where offenses go to die. Fresno prides itself on its defense and is likely to come out fired up to shut down Nevada, which should mean a score closer to the 50s that the Bulldogs usually hold opponents to at home.
