The Arizona Wildcats are set to face the Duke Blue Devils in a highly anticipated Sweet 16 matchup of the NCAA tournament on March 27, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This clash has fans buzzing, as the two storied programs meet for the first time in the tournament since 2011, when Arizona pulled off an upset as a fifth seed against Duke, the top seed at that time.
Entering this year's tournament, Arizona was ranked 10th and faced early struggles, falling out of the top 25 rankings. However, the Wildcats found their footing, showcasing resilience and grit throughout the season, culminating in a thrilling 87-83 victory over Oregon in the second round. Arizona's journey this season has included impressive wins against ranked teams, such as home victories over Baylor and Texas Tech, as well as a conference road sweep over Cincinnati and West Virginia, both ranked at the time.
Despite their strong showing, Arizona is seen as the underdog in this matchup, with Duke favored by 9.5 points. The Blue Devils, led by All-American Cooper Flagg, are coming off a dominant 89-66 win over Baylor, and Flagg himself contributed significantly with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Additionally, Duke guard Tyrese Proctor has been on fire throughout the tournament, averaging 22 points on 15-of-19 shooting and an incredible 13-of-16 from beyond the arc.
Arizona's head coach, Tommy Lloyd, reflected on the previous encounter between the two teams earlier in the season, where Duke secured a 69-55 victory in Tucson. "Obviously it was a long time ago, and it was a great opportunity for us that we didn't take advantage of," Lloyd stated. He emphasized the growth both teams have experienced since then, hinting at a different game dynamic this time around.
Leading the Wildcats in scoring is Caleb Love, who has averaged 16.8 points per game this season. His standout performance against Oregon, where he scored 29 points, has given Arizona fans hope for a competitive showing against the powerhouse Blue Devils. As the Wildcats prepare for this critical game, they know they must minimize turnovers and mental errors to have a chance at victory.
Arizona's fans are eager for a victory against a team that has historically been a formidable opponent. The Wildcats have had their share of ups and downs this season, but many supporters believe that a deep run in the tournament would validate their efforts. The Wildcats have not reached the Elite Eight in a decade, and this game represents a significant opportunity to change that narrative.
As the game approaches, the excitement builds. Arizona's odds of winning are currently pegged at 24%, according to ESPN's BPI prediction model. The Wildcats are +700 to reach the Final Four, while Duke holds the top odds at +220 to win the national title, per FanDuel Sportsbook. The stakes have never been higher, and the matchup promises to deliver intense action.
Fans will be able to catch the game on CBS, with live audio available on SiriusXM channel 201. The Wildcats are ready to take on the challenge, and whether they succeed or fall short, the season has already provided memorable moments that will not be forgotten. Arizona's journey has been marked by resilience, and they aim to add another chapter in their storied history by taking down the Blue Devils.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, one thing is certain: this Sweet 16 showdown is set to be a thrilling encounter, and Arizona is poised to make a statement against one of the tournament favorites. Will the Wildcats rise to the occasion and continue their march toward the Elite Eight? Fans are eager to find out.
