Pittsburgh vs. Indiana
Free Pick: Indiana +9.5 -110 odds
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The Panthers don’t look like the same team that has made deep runs into the tournament in recent years, but HC Jamie Dixon has coached his team to a 7-1 record thanks to a stellar defense. U-Pitt ranks #8 in the land, allowing just 55.6 points per game, and that fantastic ‘D’ was on display when it held the Wildcats to just 23.5% from the field and seven total points in the first half on Friday. However, its offensive struggles were also very apparent, as Gs Ashton Gibbs and Brad Wanamaker scored 42 of the team’s 47 points. They’re the only two players on this team averaging double digits in scoring, and they’ll probably need to carry the Panthers on the offensive end of the court for the majority of the season.

HC Tom Crean knows all about trying to rebuild a once proud program. The loss to Maryland was just another setback in a string of bad basketball betting results in recent memory for the Hoosiers. G Maurice Creek is doing the best that he can to keep Indiana afloat, but his 16.7 points per game and 50.6% shooting from the field just hasn’t been enough. Since beating Howard and South Carolina Upstate to start the season, the Hoosiers have allowed at least 69 points in all of their games, and currently sport a defense surrendering 71.7 points per game.

The Hoosiers have at least shown a bit of resiliency after getting their doors blown off at Assembly Hall, as they’re 5-1 ATS in their L/6 games following a double-digit loss. It makes no sense for a PITT team that’s struggled to do much offensively be this large a chalk on a neutral court. Well aware of their familiarity with the venue, and the fact that a key cog (Jermaine Dixon) might be returning to aid their cause offensively. Still look for the Hoosiers to save face and compete the whole way through.

Play On: Indiana Hoosiers