Tonight the number 4 seed Xavier Musketeers(25-7) take on the 1 seed Pittsburgh Panthers(28-4)in the East Regional. Xavier, still trying to shake the title of mid-major, comes into tonight's game a team that has been here before. Xavier has been to 2 elite 8's in the last 4 years and is looking to get back there again tonight. Pittsburgh stands in there way with the big 3 of Fields, Blair, and Young. Pittsburgh has proven that they are legit contender for the national title and have been always known as a good defensive team but this year have found an offensive rythem with Blair inside and Young averageing 23ppg.
Side-notes:
- In order for Xavier to pull the upset they must contain Blair on the inside with a rotation of Frease and Love keeping him off the offensive glass.
- Xavier has 4 players averaging double digits and aren't reliant on one player to score which makes them a dangerous match up with any team.
- Key for Pittsburgh is to win the battle on the boards and also take away open looks by BJ Raymond, Xavier's best outside shooter. The 3 ball is always the biggest equalizer and could take away any advantage the panthers have inside.
- Point guard play will have a big factor in who takes control of this game with Pittsburgh having the edge with Fields. Turnovers will kill Xavier if the duo of Holloway and Jackson don't play up to par.
- One last thing to look for Xavier Coach Sean Miller is absolutely one of the best coaches in drawing up plays coming out of timeouts. If the game is tight down the stretch look for Miller to get his kids in the best position to score the ball.
Line: Pitt -7
