Butler-Pitt

Should be another classic Butler taking on the world type of game. Cannot have a game with more turnovers than assist; Stigall and Hahn must hit from the outside; Smith and Howard stay out of foul trouble and stay their ground on defense; run when the opportunity presents itself, but also make sure to run the halfcourt and get good shots and not quick ones. I still thought Thursday there could have been more patience on the offensive end; And can Butcher do it for a third game in a row? Has Marshall shrugged off the first-tournament-game jitters to be ready to produce? The Dawgs aren't very deep. It's a nine-man rotation at best and things could get very interesting if Stevens has to go any further than past Butcher and Marshall on the bench.

Pitt comes in with something to prove as well. Coach Dixon knows the Bulldogs will be physical at every position and who can win the turnover and rebounding battle will have the inside track to win this game. The Panthers won't be looking ahead to the Sweet 16. They will switch up defenses and try to frustrate the Butler guards. They definitely are tested and been through the rugged Big East Conference.

I hate going against my Bulldogs. Sometimes you gotta look at this and think you have to, but I don't want to. This team has gotten better with every game since the end of January and come into its own. A possible rematch with in the Sweet 16 with Kansas State could await. It could be a perfect storm in Washington DC today.

Let's put it this way then - Pittsburgh vs. Butler straight up - first team to 60 wins.