Today Craig's free winner is in the Pittsburgh vs Xavier match up in the Midwest Region. For Coach Miller of Xavier its a reunion of sorts. Sean Miller was the star point guard at Pitt over 20 years ago. But don't look the Panthers to take it easy on there former point guard. This is the round that has given Pittsburgh fits in the last 5 years. As good as Pittsburgh has been in recent years they have not been able to make it the final four. Lets look at the records and trends for these two teams!
Team records:
Xavier: 27-7 SU, 17-12-3 ATS
Pittsburgh: 30-4 SU, 18-10 ATS
Recent Trends:
Musketeers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Musketeers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog.
Panthers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 NCAA Tournament games.
Panthers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5
Craig has been on fire lately and has a big weekend ahead of him. In this match up today Craig loves, loves, loves Pittsburgh -6.5. In fact when Craig did his point spread, he had Pitt favored by 8 and still loved the Panthers. Pittsburgh has the three things you love when picking NCAA tournament winners: Great PG play, great defensive team, and solid rebounding. Xavier on the other hand struggles with a lack of a go to PG and struggle rebounding against big teams. Blair will dominate Xavier and most likely have both of Xavier's center in foul trouble. Fields is a true Point Guard leader and might not be a huge scorer but late in shot clocks or late in the game always makes the big shot. Pittsburgh has not got the job done the last three years in this round by this time they break thru and win big. Enjoy this easy winner!! SCORE PITT 79 - XU 66
Craig Trapp 3-26-09
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