SEATTLE (AP) — In a thrilling matchup on March 23, 2025, the Arizona Wildcats narrowly secured their spot in the Sweet 16, overcoming the Oregon Ducks with a final score of 87-83 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Led by Caleb Love, who delivered an impressive performance with 29 points and nine rebounds, Arizona continues their quest for a championship as they prepare to face the top-seeded Duke in the East Region semifinals.
The game, held in Seattle, was not just about the final score but a showcase of the talents and tenacity each team brought to the court. The Wildcats (24-12) faced off against a formidable Oregon team (25-9) that had been riding a wave of momentum, winning nine of their last ten games leading up to the matchup.
Oregon, under the adept leadership of coach Dana Altman in his 15th season, had not lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and had only met defeat in the second round once before, showing off a history of strong postseason performances. The Ducks entered the game as underdogs, with Arizona favored by 3.5 to 4 points.
Despite their underdog status, Oregon proved to be stern competition. Star center Nate Bittle, leading the Ducks with an average of 14.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, alongside talented guards Jackson Shelstad, TJ Bamba, and Keeshawn Barthelemy—all averaging double digits—made for a threatening offensive lineup.
From the game’s outset, both teams displayed their strengths. Arizona quickly capitalized on their size and agility, showcasing their offensive efficiency, which ranks among the best in the nation. In contrast, Oregon's defensive strategy aimed to exploit their recent success, having ranked highly in adjusted defensive efficiency in the last month. The tension escalated as both teams exchanged leads throughout the game, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Caleb Love's experience was pivotal. Known for his clutch performances, Love, a seasoned player from his time at North Carolina, achieved notable success with 29 points against Oregon, affirming his reputation for stepping up in critical moments. His performance, however, highlighted not only personal success but showcased Arizona's overall offensive prowess, which has seen them navigate various defensive strategies throughout the postseason.
As the game progressed, Oregon fought hard, demonstrating resilience typical of Dana Altman's teams. While they fell short, hitting critical shots when necessary and maintaining pressure on Arizona, ultimately, some early game woes and a few missed opportunities at the free-throw line sealed their fate.
The Ducks had demonstrated efficacy at the charity stripe this season, with their top five scorers shooting 75% or better from the line. However, that strength faltered at crucial moments in the game, casting a shadow over what could have been a historic upset.
Both teams are now focusing on their respective tournament journeys. Arizona, with their victory, looks ahead to facing Duke, who previously defeated them in a matchup back in November and certainly carries the weight of being the top seed in the East Region. The Wildcats aim to avenge that earlier loss.
Notably, this matchup brings back memories for Love, who previously dominated Duke in the 2022 NCAA Championship semis. The echo of that hefty performance adds an additional layer of intrigue as they prepare for this highly anticipated Sweet 16 clash.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd expressed pride in his team's performance, crediting their resilience and ability to execute under pressure. Having reached the Sweet 16 in three out of his four seasons at the helm, Lloyd’s leadership continues to shine as the Wildcats prepare for their next challenge.
Tuesday's practice will be critical for the Wildcats, emphasizing their need to refine strategies and polish up before facing Duke’s renowned talent. With both teams eager for victory, the matchup promises to be intense and memorable, contributing to the rich legacy of March Madness.
As fans await the next chapter of this thrilling tournament, the spotlight remains on both Arizona’s pursuit of glory and Oregon’s commendable season filled with resilient performances, even amidst their recent defeat. March Madness continues to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
