Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish – ACC Tournament Preview – March 11, 2025

Ryan KnuppelMarch 11, 2025

2 minutes read

The Pittsburgh Panthers face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the ACC Tournament opener on Tuesday afternoon in Charlotte. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET at the Spectrum Center. Pitt enters as the No. 13 seed with a 17-14 record, while Notre Dame is the No. 12 seed at 14-17.

The winner will advance to face fifth-seeded North Carolina in the second round. Notre Dame won the last meeting between these teams on February 22, defeating Pitt 76-72 at home. Both teams enter this matchup with some momentum after recent wins.

Pitt Preview – Can They Build on Momentum?

Pittsburgh snapped a four-game losing streak with a 93-67 victory over Boston College in their regular-season finale. Guard Brandin Cummings scored 16 points in that win, while Jaland Lowe added 15 points and 10 assists for his fifth double-double of the season.

Lowe is Pitt’s top offensive player, averaging 16.8 points per game, which ranks 10th in the ACC. He also surpassed 500 points and 150 assists for the season, showing his impact on both ends of the floor. The Panthers will look to build on their improved offensive form heading into the ACC Tournament.

Pitt averages 76.6 points per game while shooting 45.3% from the field. Defensively, the Panthers allow 73 points per game. Limiting Markus Burton, the ACC’s leading scorer, will be key for Pitt’s success.

Notre Dame Preview – Burton Looks to Stay Hot

Notre Dame enters the tournament after a dramatic 112-110 win over California in four overtimes. Markus Burton delivered a career-high 43 points in that victory, while Matt Allocco added 24 points in 54 minutes of action.

Burton leads the ACC with 22.2 points per game, and the Fighting Irish have leaned on him to produce. Forward Tae Davis also contributed with 21 points in their earlier win over Pitt and will need to provide scoring support.

Notre Dame has struggled defensively, giving up 73 points per game. However, their recent offensive surge has given them momentum as they look to extend their season in the ACC Tournament.

Betting Prediction

Pittsburgh enters this matchup with improved scoring and better defensive metrics. Notre Dame has momentum after their dramatic win but could be fatigued following a lengthy four-overtime game. Markus Burton’s scoring ability makes Notre Dame dangerous, but Pitt’s balanced attack should provide the edge.

Expect a close game, but Pittsburgh’s improved offense should be the difference. The Panthers’ ability to control the pace and limit Burton’s impact will be key.

Pick: Pittsburgh -2 / Under 138.5

Trends to Watch

Pitt: The Panthers have hit the 1H Game Total Under in 20 of their last 33 games (+5.15 Units / 14% ROI).
Pitt: Pitt has only covered the 1H Spread in 10 of their last 33 games (-15.20 Units / -40% ROI).
Notre Dame: Notre Dame has hit the 1H Game Total Over in 20 of their last 33 games (+6.10 Units / 16% ROI).
Notre Dame: Notre Dame has hit the Team Total Over in 18 of their last 33 games (+1.07 Units / 3% ROI).