TBT Basketball Odds and Picks (Saturday, July 23): Should You Back Blue Collar U?

TBT Basketball Odds and Picks (Saturday, July 23): Should You Back Blue Collar U?

We are on to the round of 32 in the Syracuse regional, as Friday’s early games set the stage for this second-round matchup between Friday Beers and Blue Collar U. Tipping off at noon on ESPN, this matchup will feature two of the top three seeds in the region, with the winner advancing to likely play defending TBT champion Boeheim’s Army.

Let's take a closer look at how things might shake out at the SRC Arena in Syracuse, NY.

All Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Friday Beers vs. Blue Collar U Start Time, Where to Watch

Time: 12:00 PM EST

Where to Watch: ESPN

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Friday Beers vs. Blue Collar U Prediction

Formerly known as Armored Athletes, Friday Beers is one of the most tenured teams in TBT history, as this will mark their eighth season after making their debut in 2015. Coming into this tournament with a record of 14-7, this team is also one of the most successful, with rosters filled with past NBA players and overseas players who are elite. 

Their latest quest for their first TBT championship is off to a strong start, as the duo of Aubrey Dawkins and Sean Armand combined for 35 points in their game one win over Mental toughness, pulling away 82-69 to secure the win and late cover. Malcolm Miller led the way on the boards, as the pick man collected seven rebounds en route to the opening round win. 

Blue Collar U is a team filled with former University of Buffalo players, making their debut last season and making quite a splash. In one of the most successful first appearances in TBT history, Blue Collar U ran the table all the way to the semi-finals, picking up four straight wins before losing in the final couple of days of the tournament. They’re back for a second season and already on a terror through just one game.

Blue Collar U also advanced to this next round following a decisive win in game one Friday, knocking off NG Saints 91-64 in one of the bigger decisions of the day. Captain CJ Massinburg and fellow guard Bryce Hamilton combined for 32 points, while Eric Matthew contributed another 11 off the bench in Game 2 at SRC Arena. 

On the defensive side of things, forward Nick Perkins picked up 24 rebounds in the 2021 TBT and is already making his claims on the boards once again with just one game in the books. Guard Lamonte Bearden also had a big day on the defensive side of the ball, picking up a TBT-leading six steals in game one. 

Looking ahead to Saturday’s showdown, I think the right team is favored in Blue Collar U and is so far proven their worth in TBT albeit for just one season. I expect this number to grow, and so am jumping on the Buffalo Alum while the number lasts. 

Friday Beers vs. Blue Collar U Prediction

Pick: Blue Collar U -2.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to win $100)