Vaughn Dalzell breaks down how to bet No. 5 Xavier versus No. 11 Pittsburgh in the NCAA Tournament.
Pittsburgh vs. Xavier (-4.5): O/U 148.5
Pittsburgh has won two-straight games over Mississippi State and Iowa State.
A third win will get Pitt to the Sweet 16, while Xavier enters this contest off a 72-65 win versus Kennesaw State.
Besides Fairleigh Dickinson and Miami, Pitt has the worst defensive efficiency in the tournament (108th) and the eighth-lowest forced turnover percentage (16.8%).
Xavier is the No. 4 ranked three-point offense in the nation (39.1%), the No. 7 ranked offensive efficiency (118.8) and a top 100 rebounding squad both ways. The Musketeers are one of the quickest paced teams as well, ranking 38th overall and top 65 on offense and defense.
Pitt's run has been impressive, but they faced two very incapable offenses in Mississippi State (171st) and Iowa State (110th). Xavier is much tougher matchup for Pitt and the Panthers won't have the size advantage in this game.
Miami (FL) is the only team that Pitt has faced ranked top 25 in offense. Miami beat Pitt 78-76 at home and lost at Pitt, 71-68. Xavier is 26-3 this season when they score at least 70 points compared to 0-6 when they score below 70 points. That is the key number here for the Musketeers.
I played Xavier -4.5 (-120) and would go out to -6. Seven of Pitt's 11 losses resulted in five or more points.
Pick: Xavier -4.5 (Risk 1.5u)
Other March Madness Picks:
Xavier vs. Pittsburgh
Saint Mary's vs. UConn
Michigan State vs. Marquette
Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Florida Atlantic
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