College basketball Saturday three-team mega parlay (+1018): Gonzaga gets a big win

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Ricky Dimon

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Since graduating from Davidson (The College That Stephen Curry Built), I have been writing about sports -- just about any and all you can think of! -- and coaching tennis in Atlanta, GA. Beyond the four major sports, I am an avid tennis fan and cover the ATP Tour on a daily basis. If I'm not busy writing, you can generally find me on a tennis court or traveling the world wherever a sporting event takes me. For Ricky Dimon media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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Saturdays are for college football, but this time of year it has to share the weekend spoils with college basketball. We have a busy schedule on the hardwood, with the likes of Gonzaga, Texas, Michigan, USC, and Duke taking the floor. Gonzaga, Michigan, and USC headline our three-team mega parlay.

Michigan -22 (-110)

USC -9.5 alternate spread (+144)

Gonzaga to win by 11+ (+140)

Parlay odds: +1018

For this parlay we are going with three favorites against the spread, including two on alternate spreads. Let’s break down each of the three legs one by one.

Michigan -22 over Prairie View A&M (-110)

Prairie View A&M went 13-0 in the SWAC last season and returns almost everyone from that roster, but Cam Mack—their best player in 2020-21—is gone. The Panthers do bring in some reinforcements that should be them at the top of the SWAC again. However, this is obviously a very tough spot for them. It is the Panthers’ third game in five days and they have already faced two teams ranked inside the KenPom top 40. They played okay in those two games, but unfortunately this is their toughest test. Michigan defeated a very good Buffalo team in its opener and seems poised to contend for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament yet again this year. From a matchup perspective, Prairie View A&M has no answer for Hunter Dickinson. The Panthers’ frontcourt players stand 6’7”, 6’7”, and 6’8”, so Dickinson will have several inches (and pounds) on all of them. Defending near the rim was an issue for PVAM last year, as well, ranking 326th in field-goal percentage defense near the rim.

Check out our Michigan vs Prairie View A&M preview

USC -9.5 alternate spread over Temple (+144)

USC took care of business in its season opener, beating CSU Northridge 89-49. As the score indicates, the Trojans played an all-around great game led by Memphis transfer Boogie Ellis. He shot 9-for-11 from the field and poured in 20 points. Isiah Mobley and Drew Peterson did their part, as well, each scoring in double-figures. Ellis’ efficient marksmanship was contagious, as USC shot 56.3 percent from the field as a team on Tuesday. Temple has also started the season at 1-0 following its 72-49 win against MD-Eastern on Wednesday night. The Owls found themselves up just 1 point at halftime but went onto outscore MD-Eastern 46-24 in the second half. USC lost lottery pick Evan Mobley following its Elite 8 run in the NCAA Tournament, but head coach Andy Enfield was able to keep the rest of their core intact. This team is still very talented and is expected to finish in the top tier of the PAC-12 once again.

Check out all our college basketball previews and picks for Saturday

Gonzaga to win by 11+ over Texas (+140)

The one issue with the Longhorns is unfamiliarity. Chris Beard has replaced Shaka Smart as head coach and most of their players were suiting up elsewhere last season. They may have been a better matchup for the Zags in 2020-21 because they had so much quality size. They are not small this season, but they had two centers drafted in the NBA from last year’s team. Gonzaga had a very easy time in its opener against Dixie State, as freshman phenom Chet Holmgren delivered 14 points and 13 rebounds plus a host of steals, blocks, and assists. Drew Timme played just 20 minutes since it was such a blowout. The Zags will be well-rested for this one. They are arguably the best team in the nation and that should be readily apparent on Saturday.

Check out our
Texas vs Gonzaga preview

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