IMO, that is what will decide this Pitt-OSU game. The team that does it the best will win. I know for a fact that Pitt runs alot of set plays on offensive. Not that most teams don't, just most of their offense is based on this more than other teams. OSU has notoriously been able to defend teams like this very well. Not too many teams in the country are as well-coached in the areas of scouting as these Cowboys. These players have reaped the benefits of watching alot of film all year long. Expect OSU to be able to cover Pitt through their entire offensive sets, which will leave many Pitt possessions coming down to one-on-one, "having to create off the dribble" type of shots with the final seconds of the shot clock running down.
As for when OSU is on offensive, I also look for them to be frustrated with the active D that Pitt imparts. Lucas will be bothered more than usual tonight. He has not faced many other matchups that will play as physical as he will face tonight. Cowboy offensive production will also be slowed significantly tonight, due to the big, physical play of Pitt in the paint. It will be interesting to see how efficient their half-court sets are against the Panthers. I also see alot of possessions coming down close to the end of the shot clock, where someone will have to create a shot off the dribble. I think OSU has an edge here with their "more athletic" squad. But defense is a great equalizer.
Honestly, I have to take the under 126.5 here. Too many things point to a grind it out affair to me. Back and forth, lots of lead changes, and no team ever leading by much more than 6 is what I foresee. As for the side, I think it is a total toss-up. This game would surprise me if it didn't come down to the last shot. With that in mind, I would have to also take the 2.5 points with Pitt, even though I will be rooting for my Cowboys regardless. The perfect scenario for me would be a 1 or 2 point victory for OSU. If it doesn't happen that way, so what. When it comes to wagering, I feel like I do a pretty good job of stepping back away from what I WANT to happen (my alma mater winning), and what I realistically see happening.
Mark me down for 1 unit on each:
Pitt +1.5 FH
Pitt +2.5 GM
Under 126.5
Good Luck to All,
-JC
As for when OSU is on offensive, I also look for them to be frustrated with the active D that Pitt imparts. Lucas will be bothered more than usual tonight. He has not faced many other matchups that will play as physical as he will face tonight. Cowboy offensive production will also be slowed significantly tonight, due to the big, physical play of Pitt in the paint. It will be interesting to see how efficient their half-court sets are against the Panthers. I also see alot of possessions coming down close to the end of the shot clock, where someone will have to create a shot off the dribble. I think OSU has an edge here with their "more athletic" squad. But defense is a great equalizer.
Honestly, I have to take the under 126.5 here. Too many things point to a grind it out affair to me. Back and forth, lots of lead changes, and no team ever leading by much more than 6 is what I foresee. As for the side, I think it is a total toss-up. This game would surprise me if it didn't come down to the last shot. With that in mind, I would have to also take the 2.5 points with Pitt, even though I will be rooting for my Cowboys regardless. The perfect scenario for me would be a 1 or 2 point victory for OSU. If it doesn't happen that way, so what. When it comes to wagering, I feel like I do a pretty good job of stepping back away from what I WANT to happen (my alma mater winning), and what I realistically see happening.
Mark me down for 1 unit on each:
Pitt +1.5 FH
Pitt +2.5 GM
Under 126.5
Good Luck to All,
-JC
