Analysis: This is quite simply the biggest mismatch in the Sweet 16 in my opinion, and I just can't see the Xavier Musketeers finishing within double digits of the Pittsburgh Panthers when the final buzzer sounds. Pitt has never advanced past the Sweet 16 as a member of the Big East and supposedly will be giving up a size advantage to Xavier. Don't believe that for one second. Just because the Musketeers have some tall players doesn't mean anything. Xavier's top rebounder Derrick Brown averages six per game while DeJuan Blair averages more than twice as many for the Panthers. Let's also not forget that the Musketeers split their last 10 games before the Big Dance started, and they were crushed 82-64 by Duke on a neutral court back in late December. They have enjoyed one of the easiest roads to the Sweet 16 with easy wins over Portland State and Wisconsin. I honestly believe Pitt is a far superior opponent who will finally break through and cover after failing to impress in the first two rounds.
Bet the Panthers to win big as my
Triple Dime NCAA East Region Game O' the Year.
Matt O'Shea 3-26-09
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