Oregon Ducks vs Arizona Wildcats: NCAA Tournament Clash Highlights Caleb Love and Tommy Lloyd

Oregon Ducks vs Arizona Wildcats: NCAA Tournament Showdown Heats Up

The Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats reignited their storied rivalry on March 23, 2025, in a thrilling NCAA Tournament second-round matchup in Seattle. With a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line, this clash of former Pac-12 foes showcased high stakes, standout performances, and intense competition. Fans of Oregon Ducks men’s basketball and Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball were treated to a game that lived up to its billing, featuring key players like Arizona’s Caleb Love and strategic brilliance from coach Tommy Lloyd.

Oregon Ducks Basketball: A Strong Start

The No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks (25-9) entered the game fresh off an 81-52 rout of Liberty in the first round. Led by guard Jackson Shelstad’s 19 points, the Ducks demonstrated their defensive prowess and depth, holding the Flames to just 20 points in the first half. Against Arizona, Oregon jumped out to an early lead, with physicality and sharp shooting propelling them to a 17-4 advantage by the 15:11 mark of the first half. Forward Kwame Evans Jr. was a standout, contributing a layup and drawing a foul during the Ducks’ dominant opening stretch.

Key Players for Oregon

Oregon’s success hinged on contributions from Shelstad and center Nate Bittle, who has been a force in recent games. Bittle’s presence in the paint challenged Arizona’s frontcourt, while Shelstad’s perimeter play kept the Ducks’ offense humming. Oregon’s ability to force turnovers and capitalize in transition gave them an edge early, setting the tone for a physical battle.

Arizona Wildcats Basketball: Caleb Love Leads the Charge

The No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats (23-12) responded to Oregon’s hot start with resilience, driven by fifth-year senior Caleb Love. After a commanding 93-65 win over Akron in the first round, where Jaden Bradley led with 19 points, Arizona leaned on Love’s scoring ability against the Ducks. Love, averaging 16.4 points per game this season, sparked a comeback, finishing with 17 points by the second half’s 11:03 mark. His leadership and clutch shooting helped Arizona close the gap, taking a 63-57 lead after trailing earlier.

Where to Watch Oregon Ducks vs Arizona Wildcats

Fans eager to catch the Oregon Ducks men’s basketball vs Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball game tuned in to TBS at 6:40 p.m. PDT on March 23, 2025. For those streaming, options included the NCAA March Madness Live app, Sling TV, or Hulu + Live TV. The game’s late-night slot didn’t deter viewers, as the stakes and rivalry drew a national audience.

Broadcast Details

Live updates were available on platforms like Yardbarker and SI.com, with X posts offering real-time insights from fans and analysts. Whether at home or on the go, basketball enthusiasts had plenty of ways to follow this epic showdown.

Tommy Lloyd’s Tactical Adjustments

Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, now in his fourth season with the Wildcats, showcased his adaptability. Facing a 7-0 Oregon run in the second half, Lloyd called a timeout to regroup, and his team responded with a surge. With a 4-2 record against Oregon’s Dana Altman, Lloyd’s familiarity with the Ducks proved crucial. His usual starting five—Jaden Bradley, Caleb Love, Anthony Dell’Orso, Trey Townsend, and Tobe Awaka—delivered, with Awaka posting a double-double (12 points, 13 rebounds) despite foul trouble.

Oregon vs Arizona: Game Highlights and Turning Points

The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Oregon’s early 17-4 lead evaporated as Arizona fought back, tying the score at 30-31 late in the first half. By the second half, with 7:38 remaining, Arizona held a slim 68-64 edge, though their offense stalled for over two minutes. The Ducks refused to fade, battling back with tenacity despite losing their initial advantage. Both teams showcased their strengths—Arizona’s offensive firepower (82.1 points per game) and Oregon’s stout defense (70.4 points allowed per game)—making it a nail-biter.

Second-Half Drama

With under eight minutes left, the Ducks clawed back, cutting into Arizona’s lead. Posts on X noted Oregon’s refusal to go away, highlighting the intensity of this matchup. Arizona’s four players in double figures kept them ahead, but Oregon’s defensive pressure and rebounding tenacity, emphasized by coach Dana Altman as key to victory, kept the game within reach.

Arizona vs Oregon Prediction: Who Advances?

Predictions for this Oregon-Arizona clash varied. Analysts like those at Oddschecker gave a slight edge to Oregon, citing Caleb Love’s inconsistency and Oregon’s recent form (9-1 in their last 10 games). However, Arizona’s offensive efficiency and Lloyd’s tournament experience made them a formidable foe. NBC Sports leaned toward Oregon on the moneyline but favored the under (152.5 points), anticipating a tight, low-scoring affair. As the game unfolded, it remained too close to call definitively.

What Experts Are Saying

Oregon coach Dana Altman stressed rebounding as the deciding factor, while Lloyd praised both teams’ distinct styles. Love’s performance loomed large—his 36- and 22-point outings in past wins over Oregon contrasted with a six-point dud in a loss last year. The Ducks’ physicality and Arizona’s resilience made this a toss-up with Sweet 16 implications.

Oregon Ducks vs Arizona Wildcats: A Rivalry Renewed

This matchup wasn’t just another NCAA Tournament game—it was a renewal of the Oregon-Arizona rivalry, steeped in Pac-12 history. With Arizona now in the Big 12 and Oregon in the Big Ten, the stakes felt even higher. Lloyd reflected on the challenge of maintaining West Coast basketball’s identity, saying, “We’re going to have to fight hard for our place at the table.” For Ducks and Wildcats fans alike, this game was a testament to their programs’ enduring competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

As the final minutes ticked down, the outcome remained uncertain. Would Caleb Love carry Arizona to the Sweet 16, or would Oregon’s balanced attack prevail? Regardless, this Oregon vs Arizona game will be remembered as a classic chapter in their storied basketball timeline.