SEATTLE – The Oregon Ducks' NCAA Tournament run came to a heartbreaking end on March 23, 2025, as they fell to the Arizona Wildcats 87-83 in a fiercely contested second-round matchup at Climate Pledge Arena. This loss not only marks the end of a promising season for the Ducks, finishing with a record of 25-10, but it reflects the ups and downs experienced throughout the year, including early wins against formidable teams and late-season struggles.
The Ducks jumped to an impressive start, leading 19-4 just five minutes into the game. Flashing their offensive prowess, Jackson Shelstad scored early and often, showcasing why he was considered one of Oregon’s key players. He finished the game with a team-high 25 points. However, a determined Arizona team led by fifth-year senior Caleb Love responded with a counter-attack that shifted the momentum right before halftime.
With their defense tightening, Arizona went on a scoring run that saw them take a 42-38 lead into the locker room. Love was instrumental during this stretch, finishing the game with 29 points, including critical shots that energized the Wildcats and frustrated the Ducks. After the game, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd praised Love’s performance, stating, "Caleb was sensational. He was the best player on the floor today, and he was able to carry us to victory."
The second half of the game saw Oregon fighting desperately to claw back. After trailing by seven points with less than two minutes remaining, they pulled within two after a series of strong plays, including a jump hook from Nathan Bittle, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Ducks' defense forced a crucial turnover on an inbounds play, putting them in a position to tie the game.
However, fate would not favor the Ducks. With just milliseconds left on the clock and down 83-80, Shelstad was fouled and made both free throws, closing the gap. Arizona’s Anthony Dell’Orso then made key free throws, giving the Wildcats a more comfortable lead. In the final seconds, Oregon had no option but to foul to stop the clock. Shelstad intentionally missed a free throw to set up a potential last shot, but the Wildcats secured the rebound, sealing their victory.
Oregon's free throw shooting, which has been a strength throughout the season, faltered in this crucial contest. The Ducks managed to convert only 12 of 22 attempts, a shocking 54.5 percent, far below their season average of 76.4 percent. Coach Dana Altman lamented this disparity, pointing out, "This is the first one we lost at the line." He recognized that the failure to capitalize on free throw opportunities had a significant impact on the game’s outcome.
The Ducks’ loss puts an end to their tournament aspirations for another year, as they exited in the round of 32 for the second consecutive season. Frustration mixed with pride as Shelstad noted, "We were right there. It’s going to sting for a little bit." The game illustrated the razor-thin margins that define March Madness; every missed opportunity, every miscalculation adds up in a heated playoff atmosphere.
Looking ahead, Arizona will advance to face the Duke Blue Devils in the Sweet 16, setting the stage for another classic matchup. With their season ending, the Ducks will need to regroup. They’ll focus on the future and the hope that players like Shelstad, Bittle, and KJ Evans may return next season and build upon what they have established during this tumultuous year.
Though the Ducks grapple with the disappointment of this loss, they also carry forward the lessons learned and experiences gained, hoping to rise stronger in the next season.
