On Friday, an intriguing No. 8 vs. 9 match-up will take place in the West Region, where the Pittsburgh Panthers and Wichita State Shockers will play for the right to advance to the Round of 32, and a potential date with the regional No. 1 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs. Game-time is set for 1:40 p.m. ET in Salt Lake City.
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For Pittsburgh (24-8, 12-6 in the Big East) to secure the win on Friday afternoon, they'll need a big game from guard Tray Woodall. The senior led Pitt in both points per game (11.8) and assists (5.2), while freshman Steven Adams and junior Talib Zanna combined for more than 12 rebounds per game as well.
Meanwhile Wichita State (26-8, 12-6 in the Missouri Valley) will rely on a more balanced scoring attack, with five players on their roster who averaged at least seven points per game this season. Cleanthony Early poured in 13.6 points per game, with senior Carl Hall adding 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds.
The winner of this game will almost certainly face the West's No. 1 seed Gonzaga in a Round of 32 match-up Sunday. Gonzaga opens its NCAA Tournament on Friday against the No. 16 seeded Southern Jaguars.
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