The Oregon Ducks, seeded No. 5, are set to take on the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats in an exciting second-round matchup of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 9:40 p.m. ET at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. This matchup comes with significant stakes, as both teams look to secure their place in the coveted Sweet 16 round.
Coming off dominating performances in the first round, both teams are eager to continue their march toward a championship. The Ducks triumphed over the No. 12 seed Liberty Flames with an impressive score of 81-52, easily covering the spread as 7-point favorites. The Ducks showcased their offensive prowess with standout performances, notably from guard Jackson Shelstad, who led the team with 17 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting. With nine wins in their last ten games, Oregon is entering this matchup on a high note, stating, "The Ducks have been on fire, winning 9 of their last 10 games," according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
On the other hand, the Wildcats also delivered a strong showing in the first round, crushing the No. 13 seed Akron Zips 93-65 while covering as 14-point underdogs. Arizona's guard Jaden Bradley was instrumental in their victory, scoring 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Despite their success thus far, the Wildcats have struggled with consistency lately, with one source noting, "The Wildcats have been incredibly inconsistent, winning just 3 of their last 8 games in regular-season play." This inconsistency may pose a challenge as they prepare to face a fired-up Oregon team.
The betting landscape for this highly anticipated matchup offers insight into the dynamics at play. As of Saturday, March 22, 2025, the odds from BetMGM Sportsbook listed Oregon at +3.5 points against Arizona, indicating a competitive game ahead. The moneyline reflects Arizona's status as the favorite at -175 while Oregon sits at +145. The Over/Under for the game is set at 153.5 points, presenting further intrigue for those involved in sports betting.
Predictions from various experts point towards a closely contested game. The consensus prediction from BetMGM suggests a narrow victory for Arizona, estimating a final score of 75-73. The analysis emphasizes the defensive capacities of each team, with Oregon currently ranked 22nd in KenPom’s defensive rating and Arizona at 29th. Historically, Oregon's defense has been a pivotal component in their success, as they have held opponents to 74 points or fewer in seven consecutive games.
As the Ducks prepare to face the Wildcats, there are notable trends that bettors and basketball fans alike should consider. Oregon has fared well against the spread recently, holding a record of 5-2 ATS in its last seven games. Moreover, they possess impressive wins against formidable opponents this season, including victories over Alabama (a No. 2 seed) and Wisconsin (a No. 3 seed). The Ducks are also shaping up well in postseason play, boasting a 2-1 record against the spread thus far.
In contrast, the Wildcats have not performed as strongly against the spread in their recent encounters, posting a 5-7 record over their last 12 games. This inconsistency could be a factor as they head into this second-round battle, with analysts highlighting potential vulnerabilities that the Ducks might exploit.
Fans at Climate Pledge Arena will witness a clash of two dynamic teams vying for advancement in this year's NCAA Tournament. The game will be available for viewing on TBS and can also be streamed on platforms like Sling TV. The commentators for the game include Lisa Byington providing play-by-play coverage with analysts Robbie Hummel and Jalen Rose. Reporter Andy Katz will also be on-hand to cover any developments during the matchup.
As the clock counts down to tip-off, anticipation builds for an electrifying showdown in Seattle. Both teams are ready to leave it all on the court, but only one will emerge victorious and secure their place in the next round. With their eyes set on the Sweet 16, this matchup promises to deliver not only thrilling basketball but also a showcase of talents that could define the future of March Madness.
