Pick 41:- Total Under 153.5 Points (-200)

The upcoming NCAA showdown between the Pittsburgh Panthers and Xavier Musketeers promises to be a nail-biter, with both teams vying for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen and bringing their A-game to the court.

As March Madness continues to heat up, we're all stoked for the second-round game between the 11th-seeded Pittsburgh Panthers and the third-seeded Xavier Musketeers in the NCAA Tournament Midwest Region. These squads have a history of rivalry, having faced off twice in the tournament since 2009, with each team claiming a win. Now, they're back for another round, and the stakes have never been higher.

Pittsburgh (24-11, 14-6 ACC) is hungry for a sweet taste of victory, as they haven't made it to the Sweet Sixteen since 2009 when they advanced all the way to the Elite Eight. Tying for third in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, the Panthers have shown they can ball, but they'll need to step up their game in a major way to take down Xavier.

On the other side of the court, the Xavier Musketeers (26-9, 15-5 Big East) are no strangers to success, having last reached the Sweet Sixteen in 2017 and also making it to the Elite Eight. Finishing second behind Marquette in the Big East, the Musketeers are favored by 5.5 points in the latest Pittsburgh vs. Xavier odds.

But don't count the Panthers out just yet. Junior forward Blake Hinson is one of four Pittsburgh players averaging in double-figure scoring. Although he was held to a mere five points and four rebounds in the first-round win over Iowa State, Hinson has hit double-figure scoring in six of the past eight games. With 24 points in a 78-76 loss at Miami on March 4 and 22 points in a 99-82 victory over Syracuse on Feb. 25, Hinson can be a game-changer when he's on fire.

However, we can't ignore the fact that Pitt has topped 76 points against an at-large quality team only once in 11 tries. In 14 games against KenPom top-60 opponents, they've only hit 70 points six times. That's not exactly a stat to brag about, but it does highlight the challenge the Panthers face in this matchup.

The Musketeers, led by their strong performance in the Big East, have a solid chance of advancing to the Sweet Sixteen. Yet, with high stakes and unpredictable gameplay, anything can happen in the heat of March Madness. Both teams will need to bring their A-game and keep their heads in the game to come out on top.

For bettors and fans alike, this game is sure to provide some exhilarating moments and edge-of-your-seat action. While the odds may favor Xavier, the true outcome will only be determined by the teams' performances on the court. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a thrilling game that'll have you talking for days.

The battle between the Pittsburgh Panthers and Xavier Musketeers is shaping up to be an epic showdown, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for that coveted spot in the Sweet Sixteen. As we look forward to the game from Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, tipping off at 12:10 p.m. ET, we can only speculate on the outcome. But one thing's for sure: it's going to be a wild ride.