NCAA Predictions: Pittsburgh Panthers vs Marquette Golden Eagles
Saturday, January 14, 2012
by Frank Martin
Already mired in a five-game losing streak, Pittsburgh Panthers opens a tough stretch of back-to-back road games when it travels to No. 24 Marquette Golden Eagles on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers shot just 21 percent from the floor in a stunning 62-39 home loss to Rutgers on Wednesday.
The Golden Eagles, meanwhile, opened a three-game homestand Wednesday by pulling away for an 83-64 win over St. John's.
- Pittsburgh Panthers @ Marquette Golden Eagles
When: 2:00 PM ET, Saturday, January 14, 2012
Where: Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPNU, ESPN3 (web)
Check Live NCAA Basketball Odds on
SBG Global Sportsbook
.
SBG Global Sportsbook currently have the Golden Eagles listed as 10-point favorites versus the Panthers.
Pittsburgh Panthers (11-6): The Panthers rank near the top of the country in rebounding margin (plus-11.6) and have five players averaging at least five boards per game, but they are among the nation's worst in turnovers forced (10.3 per game) and turnover margin (minus-2.6). Senior SG Ashton Gibbs leads an inconsistent Pitt offense with 16.2 points, but he has struggled through a career-worst shooting season (37.8% FG). Senior PF Nasir Robinson adds 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds, while junior PG Tray Woodall has returned from a nine-game injury layoff to average 12.4 points and 7.5 assists.
Marquette Golden Eagles (13-4): The Golden Eagles' outside-inside combo of SG Darius Johnson-Odom (18.1 ppg) and senior F Jae Crowder (16.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.1 spg) head up a balanced offense that is second in the Big East behind Syracuse in scoring (77.6 ppg) and leads the league in assists (17.4). Marquette is extremely disciplined for an up-tempo outfit, ranking near the top of the conference in turnover margin (plus-3.9) and assist-turnover ratio (1.3). Sophomore PF Davante Gardner has picked up his production since joining the starting lineup last month, notching career highs of 22 points and 15 rebounds on Wednesday.
1. Pittsburgh leads the all-time series, 8-6, with victories in the last four meetings. The Panthers earned an 89-81 triumph last season.
2. Marquette is 4-2 against Pitt in Milwaukee, winning four in a row at home before the Panthers escaped with a 58-51 victory in 2010.
3. The Golden Eagles are 10-0 this season when junior PG Junior Cadougan finishes with at least six assists.
BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Golden Eagles 78, Panthers 66.
Bet on NCAA College Basketball games with SBG Global Sportsbook, click here!
Related Articles
- NCAA Betting Odds: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Marquette Golden Eagles
- NCAA Betting Lines: Cincinnati Bearcats vs Marquette Golden Eagles
- NCAA Basketball Odds and Free Picks: South Florida visit Marquette
- Monday Jan 16 NCAA Pick: Louisville Cardinals vs Marquette Golden Eagles
- Sunday Big East NCAA Basketball Odds: Villanova at No 13 Marquette
Category
Tags
ashton gibbs - bradley center - darius johnson-odom - davante gardner - jae crowder - junior cadougan - marquette golden eagles - nasir robinson - pittsburgh panthers - tray woodall
