My Pick: Pitt ML
The two main reasons why I think Pittsburgh will win this game are offensive percentages, and the turnover battle. In the last three games, Pittsburgh averages 4 more assists and shoots better from everywhere on the floor. Pittsburgh is shooting 38 percent from the three-point line compared to Mississippi State at 15 percent. As a team, Mississippi State in the last three games is shooting 63 percent from the line compared to Pitt at 79.7 percent. With the big difference between shooting the three-point shot and shooting free throws, I like Pitt to have the advantage on offense. Now the turnover battle favors Pitt. Both teams in the last three games have caused 10.7 turnovers per game, but Mississippi State has turned the ball over 15 times per game compared to Pitt at 8.7. I like Pitt to take care of the ball and take advantage of the lack of shooting from Mississippi State.