The 2025 NCAA Men's Tournament continued to deliver thrilling action as the Duke Blue Devils faced off against the Arizona Wildcats in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2025. The game, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, showcased two powerhouse programs vying for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight.
Duke, the No. 1 seed with a remarkable 33-3 record, entered the game as the favorite, boasting a 9.5-point spread against the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats, who had a 24-12 record. The Blue Devils had been on a tear, defeating Mt. St. Mary's 93-49 and Baylor 89-66 in their previous tournament games. In the latter, standout guard Tyrese Proctor shined with 25 points, while potential number one overall NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg contributed 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Arizona, on the other hand, had also shown its mettle in the tournament, taking down Akron 93-65 and edging out Oregon 87-83. Star guard Caleb Love led Arizona with an impressive 29 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in their second-round victory.
As the game tipped off at 9:39 PM ET, fans were treated to a back-and-forth battle. Duke took an early lead, but Arizona quickly responded, showcasing their offensive prowess. The first half saw multiple lead changes, with both teams trading baskets and displaying their talents. At halftime, Duke held a narrow advantage, leading 48-42. Cooper Flagg led all scorers with 18 points, while Caleb Love kept Arizona in the game with 14 points.
The second half began with Duke looking to extend its lead, but Arizona was determined to mount a comeback. The Wildcats cut the deficit to just two points, thanks in part to Love's relentless scoring. However, Duke's Flagg was on fire, contributing significantly to his team's efforts. With 13:12 left in the game, Duke had surged ahead to a 62-47 lead, fueled by a 22-9 run to start the half.
Despite the mounting pressure, Arizona refused to back down. Love continued to impress, scoring at will and keeping the Wildcats within striking distance. With just under six minutes left, the score was 86-79 in favor of Duke, and the tension in the arena was palpable. Fans witnessed a thrilling exchange of plays, with both teams pushing their limits.
With 44.5 seconds left in the game, Duke led 94-86, but Arizona was not finished yet. Love, playing his final college game, scored his 35th point, bringing the Wildcats closer. The game concluded with Duke edging out Arizona 100-93, securing their place in the Elite Eight.
Cooper Flagg was the standout performer, finishing the game with 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three blocks, solidifying his status as one of the top players in college basketball. Meanwhile, Caleb Love's valiant effort for Arizona, highlighted by his 35 points, underscored his talent and determination.
Throughout the contest, the officiating drew scrutiny, with both teams facing a high number of fouls—Duke committed 22 fouls while Arizona was whistled for 24. This contentious aspect of the game led to discussions about the officiating quality, which some fans and analysts deemed insufficient for such a high-stakes matchup.
As the final buzzer sounded, Duke celebrated their hard-fought victory, while Arizona's season came to an end. The Blue Devils now look ahead to their next challenge in the Elite Eight, where they will face either No. 2 seed Alabama or No. 6 seed BYU. With the NCAA Tournament in full swing, the excitement and unpredictability of March Madness continue to captivate fans across the nation.
As the tournament progresses, every game becomes crucial, and teams are acutely aware that one misstep could mean the end of their championship dreams. The stakes are high, and the drama is palpable as college basketball enthusiasts gear up for the next round of thrilling matchups.
