In a thrilling NCAA Tournament second-round encounter on March 23, 2025, the Oregon Ducks fell short against the Arizona Wildcats, suffering an 87-83 defeat at Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena. This marked a significant meeting for both teams, deepening their rivalry as they faced each other for the first time in March Madness.
The stakes were high for both sides, with victory meaning a ticket to the Sweet 16 and a matchup against the highly favored Duke Blue Devils. Oregon had shown their strength in the first round with a decisive 81-52 win over the Liberty Flames, while Arizona cruised past the Akron Zips, winning 93-65. Arizona Head Coach, Tommy Lloyd, noted the peculiarity of meeting Oregon early in the tournament: "It is a little weird playing them in the second round of the tournament because it's a team you're so used to being a conference rival and usually you wouldn't see that until later in the NCAA Tournament. For it to happen earlier, it's interesting but it's a great thing. There's probably a lot of familiarity on both sides, but it's a new year. It's going to be a challenging game Sunday evening."
As the game began, the Ducks showcased their offensive prowess, rapidly taking a 15-point lead. Oregon's Jackson Shelstad was on fire, contributing significantly with 25 points. The Ducks shot 47% from the field, with 35% from the three-point range, pairing solid shooting with fierce defensive plays. They appeared to be in control heading into the half. However, a series of turnovers and lapses in rebounding began to change the game’s momentum.
On the other side, Arizona responded aggressively after trailing. Caleb Love particularly shone for the Wildcats, dropping a stunning 29 points, and hitting five three-pointers while securing nine rebounds. As the game progressed, the Wildcats displayed remarkable resilience, gradually clawing their way back despite Oregon's early dominance.
By the second half, Arizona found their rhythm, mounting a comeback and taking the lead as the minutes wore on. With both teams exchanging blows, thrilling plays marked this intense matchup. Oregon struggled as they missed eight free throws throughout the game, shooting only 55% from the charity stripe. Arizona capitalized on the Ducks' missed opportunities.
Toward the end of the game, the tension was electric. Oregon managed to tie the score at 81-81 with only seconds to play, but a timely shot from Arizona sealed their 87-83 victory as the clock wound down. Oregon had a final chance to pull ahead, but their offensive execution faltered in the game’s critical moments.
Final stats showcased a vivid narrative; Oregon shot 47% with a total of 32 field goals out of 68 attempts, compared to Arizona's 45% on 30 of 66 attempts. Additionally, the Ducks recorded 37 rebounds, while the Wildcats dominated the glass with 44 rebounds.
While Oregon's journey in this year's NCAA Tournament ends here, the game served as an essential reminder of the Ducks’ competitive tenacity throughout the season, especially against a powerhouse like Arizona. As they reevaluate and gather strength heading into next year’s campaign, fans remain hopeful for a return to form in future tournaments.
Meanwhile, Arizona advances to face Duke in the next round, eager to continue their pursuit of the championship title. The matchup promises to be a riveting battle as new challenges and opportunities await the Wildcats.
