#1 Pitt to face #4 Xavier with Elite 8 on the line
Thursday, March 26th, 20092009 NCAA Tournament - East Region - TD Banknorth Garden, Boston
No. 1 Pittsburgh (30-4) vs. No. 4 Xavier (27-7)
Time/Day/TV: 7:27 EDT/Thursday/CBS
Pittsburgh Road to the Sweet 16: Defeated No. 16 East Tennessee State, 72-62 Defeated Oklahoma State, 84-76.
Pittsburgh leading scorers: Sam Young 18.9, DeJuan Blair 15.8, Levance Fields 10.6
Xavier Road to the Sweet 16: Defeated No. 13 Portland State, 77-59 Defeated No. 12 Wisconsin, 60-49
Pittsburgh Moment of Truth: The Panthers haven’t been pristine in their first two wins. In fact, they have had to overcome 32 turnovers. But they have managed to win.
Xavier Moment of Truth: The first 30 minutes of the second round game against Wisconsin concerned the Musketeers who were involved in a tight game. However, their defense in the final 10 minutes was the difference.
Key Matchup: Pittsburgh point guard Fields vs. Xavier defense. As difficult as it is for teams to move the ball efficiently, Fields must run the offense to the point where Xavier’s defense will not create as many problems. Fields averages 7.6 assists per game.
Who Wins and Why: Pittsburgh. This is the round that usually gives the Panthers problems. But with a menacing front court of Young and Blair, it will be hard for Xavier’s front court to match that.
By Kevin Lonnquist
DFN Sports Writer