Bodog Beat

The Pitt Panthers have the nation’s fifth-best winning percentage over the past eight seasons but they have struggled to carry their regular-season success into the NCAA tournament. (AP Images)

On Friday they will start their tournament run against the East Tennessee State Buccaneers.
The Bucs didn’t play any team from a “Big Six” conference in the regular season and are 20-point underdogs against Pitt.

Although Pitt has made four Sweet 16 appearances in the past seven seasons, the Panthers haven’t gone beyond that round since 1974. As the No. 1 seed in the East Region, this marks Pitt’s best chance to get to the Final Four during the program’s recent renaissance.

The Panthers have to be considered one of the favorites to win it all (+500). They have three experienced players in DeJuan Blair, Levance Fields, and Sam Young, and any one of them can carry the team. Check out the Bodog Sportsbook for all your March Madness betting.