The 2025 NCAA Tournament is set to showcase an exciting matchup between the Liberty Flames and the Oregon Ducks as they face off in the first round. The No. 12 seed Liberty, boasting a solid season record of 28-6, will take on the fifth-seeded Oregon Ducks, who come in with a record of 24-9. The game will take place at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, on March 21, 2025, with tipoff scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET, broadcast live on truTV.
Before this anticipated clash, fans can tune in for pregame coverage at 9:30 p.m. ET, as LFSN Radio provides exclusive live updates. Alan York and former player and coach Paul Nazigian will take listeners through the action, including player insights and team strategies. Radio coverage will be available locally on 107.5 FM in Lynchburg and 101.1 FM in Roanoke, as well as digitally via the Varsity Network. However, due to NCAA restrictions, this audio coverage will not be available on the Liberty Flames mobile app or their website, LibertyFlames.com.
Both teams enter the game with strengths that could dictate the match's outcome. Oregon, known for its offensive capabilities, averages 76.2 points per game, which is significantly higher than Liberty’s defensive average of 62.9 points allowed. If Oregon manages to surpass this threshold, they hold a favorable record of 23-6. On the other hand, Liberty also boasts a strong offense of its own, scoring an average of 76.6 points per game against opponents who allow an average of 70.9 points. Liberty holds an impressive 16-3 record when scoring above this mark.
Head coach of the Ducks, Dana Altman, will rely on standout players such as Jackson Shelstad and Nathan Bittle to lead the charge against Liberty. Shelstad averages 13.2 points, while Bittle contributes an impressive 14.1 points along with 7.4 rebounds per game. The Flames' response will come from their own star players, including Kaden Metheny, who averages 13.5 points per game, and Zach Cleveland with 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds. This showdown is not only about individual performances but also about the teams’ strategies and how they will adapt during the game.
In addition to the excitement surrounding this matchup, the game carries particular significance for Liberty as they aim to make a statement in the tournament. Head coach Carey Green has worked tirelessly to build a program that competes at a high level. Furthermore, Kenny Brooks, the coach of Kentucky, also acknowledged the challenge that Liberty presents. He has faced the Flames eleven times, holding a 9-2 record against them. Brooks remarked, "Always been a pain in my side," emphasizing the competitive nature and the resilience of Liberty's program.
As the tournament progresses, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between the Flames and Ducks. With both teams detailed in their preparation and the coaching strategies set, all eyes will be on Seattle for this battle in the NCAA Tournament.
As March Madness continues, the stakes are high, and Liberty is ready to showcase their talents against Oregon, hoping to advance further in the NCAA Tournament.
