MILWAUKEE -- No. 6 seed Xavier defeated No. 3 seed Pitt, 71-68, today in an NCAA second-round game at the Bradley Center to deny the Panthers of their sixth trip to the Sweet 16 in the past nine years.

Xavier will play No. 2 seed Kansas State Thursday night in Salt Lake City.

Ashton Gibbs had a chance to tie the score for Pitt with :02 left on the clock, but his 3-pointer rimmed out. That opportunity came after Dante Jackson missed two free throws with 6.9 seconds remaining.

Pitt had another opportunity with :0.4 left on the clock, but Brad Wanamaker's 3-pointer also missed.

Jordan Crawford led Xavier with 27 points.

Gibbs led Pitt with 19.

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