By Dave Campbell
The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - Pittsburgh's success the last two years is reminding people of an NFL dynasty that captivated the blue-collar city more than two decades ago. The Panthers are winning the same way the Steelers did.

"Alluding to the Steelers is based, No. 1, on defense," coach Ben Howland said. "And that is true in any sport."

The Panthers allow a paltry 58.7 points per game, which ranks sixth in the nation. They'll look to shut down Marquette guards Dwyane Wade and Travis Diener tonight (9:40 p.m. ET) in the Midwest Regional semifinals at the Metrodome.

The winner gets either Kentucky or Wisconsin on Saturday.

We take a lot of pride in playing defense," guard Brandin Knight said. "Nobody wants to let their man go off and have a big night on them."

Guard Julius Page, Pitt's defensive stopper, will probably guard Wade - the Conference USA player of the year.

"They're a good team," Page said. "They're physical. They play defense, somewhat like us. If you want to play defense you've got to have the will. You can teach some of the mentals, but as individuals you've got to just want it."

OK, so Howland wants to compare his team to the Steelers. So which NFL offense would he compare Marquette's to?

"I would say the West Coast offense," Howland said. "A lot of different looks. A lot of different ways to come at you, a lot of different sets."

He's right about that.

Marquette has help if Page and his teammates are able to contain Wade. Point guard Diener is shooting an astounding 60.7 percent (17-for-28) from 3-point range in his last four games. Forward Scott Merritt tied his season high with 18 points in a 101-92 overtime victory over Missouri in the second round.

"I think Dwyane understands when he's open and when he's not," Crean said. "He trusts his teammates. I think that's one of the greatest things we have going. We have a great group of selfless players."

The Golden Eagles haven't been to a regional final since winning their only national title in 1977, but Wade has helped return Marquette (25-5) to prominence in his second season.

Marquette's star junior sat out his first season because he didn't qualify academically. Last February he became a father and now he's a husband.

"I think it just makes me a more mature person," Wade said. "Every time my son sees a basketball game on TV, he thinks it's 'da-da.' I just try to keep up the good name of the Wades."

He's doing well so far. Wade, who could be bound for the NBA after this season, averages 21.3 points and is always the top target of opposing defenses.

"We have to attack Pittsburgh in the half-court and in the fast break," Wade said. "We have to make them play our game."

The Panthers (28-4) are led by Page and Knight, though nobody averages more than 12 points per game. But they haven't needed to score too much seeing as how their opponents don't.

In its past 14 tournament appearances, Pittsburgh has yet to advance past the round of 16. Last year, the Panthers lost to Kent State 78-73 in overtime in Lexington, Ky.

"Anytime you lose, whether in the Sweet 16 or Big East tournament, a crow gets in your craw and it also motivated competitive kids," Howland said. "The one thing we have is tough, competitive kids who want it all and understand how to go after the positive experience of last year.

"We have had a really tough road to get here, but our guys were really excited about another chance."