The story line: Pittsburgh has been one of the nation’s biggest surprises thanks to junior point guard Brandin Knight, who  much like his brother, Brevin Knight, was at Stanford  is a solid ballhandler, penetrator, shooter and defender. But Kent State’s three-guard offense has proved tough for foes to defend. And the Golden Flashes put great pressure on the ball. Don’t expect a lot of points.

The “X” factor: Pitt junior center Ontario Lett (6-foot-6, 265 pounds) has been a huge presence  literally and figuratively  in the paint for the Panthers. Lett is a former Pensacola High standout, and his bulk is going to cause great problems for the smallish Golden Panthers.