NCAA Basketball: Butler, Gonzaga among teams under most pressure to win this week

Pittsburgh Panthers - 18-9 (9-7 ACC)

At one point, Pittsburgh started 1-5 in ACC play and was at the bottom of the standings. Since then, they found a way to dig as much out of the hole as possible to get on the bubble. They got road wins over NC State, Virginia, and Duke to create a solid resume. However, an awful non-con strength of schedule and a home loss to Missouri that’s looming to be a Quad 4 blemish has them in a tough spot.

But after a big win over Virginia Tech at home, the Panthers still have an opportunity to get another marquee resume win. They go on the road at Clemson, one of three teams in the ACC that seems safe in the NCAA Tournament field. In the first go-around, Pitt lost 79-70 at home to open league play.

The one area of strength for Pittsburgh is its performance on the road, currently with a 6-3 record. Another win over the Tigers would not only give them a fourth Quad 1 win but also prove that they can beat NCAA Tournament teams after not having a single good win in the non-con since both Oregon State and West Virginia haven’t been good in league play.

After that is a Quad 2 road game against Boston College, with a current NET ranking around 90. It’s still an important game for the Panthers and one that’s winnable, with a loss likely putting them off the bubble, unless they did get the Clemson win on Tuesday.