PITTSBURGH -- A dramatic finish in the NCAA tournament had University of Pittsburgh basketball fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Pitt men's basketball team is moving on to the Elite Eight for the first time in the history of the 64-team tournament field after beating Xavier in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night in Boston.

As Panthers fever sweeps across the region, new Pitt gear -- including a "Fear The Panther" T-shirt -- is rolling out for fans to buy while the team prepares to play Villanova on Saturday.

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• Video: Watch Amber Nicotra's Report From Pitt Campus
• Video: Watch Jon Greiner's Report From Peter's Pub In Oakland

Channel 4 Action News' Amber Nicotra reported the Panthers' big win was the talk of the campus on Friday. Vendors have been setting up to sell sweatshirts and T-shirts all day, for eager fans who said they're confident the team is going all the way.

"Oh we're going to win. We're going all the way. No doubt," said freshman Steve Lubkan.

Pitt edged out Xavier with less than a minute left, after Levance Fields sank a shot from way behind the three-point line to give the Panthers the lead. The final score was 60-55.

"It's like those last few minutes, they pull it together and pull it out and win. So, yeah, we're going to the Final Four!" Pitt employee Liz Conforti said.

"I was getting texts from my friends that go to Nova and other places, 'Oh you guys are in trouble.' And I was like, 'We'll pull through.' And so we did and it was awesome," said senior Ryan O'Laughlin.

Pitt merchandise is already flying off shelves, from beads to pompoms, Nicotra reported.

There's no shortage of team gear at one street vendor at the corner of Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard. Shirts commemorating Pitt's trip to the Elite Eight are available, designed and made at All-Pro Embroidery and Screen Printing in Baldwin.

"Now with the win last night we decided to come up with a new design for the Elite Eight. They got over the hurdle and now they're in the Elite Eight so we're really excited. We're doing a few thousand shirts a day," said All-Pro's Matt Rohm.

Fans showed their Pitt pride on campus with many students decked out in blue and gold.

Some fans may have been tired from staying up late, but are still excited about Saturday's big game against Villanova.

Along with a boost for the school, a win for Pitt would also be good for the economy. Street vendors told Nicotra they expect to do brisk business, especially if the Panthers make it to the Final Four.