While the First Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament didn't offer the thrill as many expected, it now sets up heavyweight matchups with trips to the Sweet 16 on the line.
And fifth-seeded Oregon versus fourth-seeded Arizona on Sunday night is no exception. The former PAC-12 foes will get another taste of “PAC-12 after dark.
In the Round of 64, Arizona handled Akron with ease, winning 93-65. The Wildcats shot 12-for-25 from three behind 19 points and six rebounds from Jaden Bradley. Meanwhile, Oregon cruised by Liberty in a game in which the Ducks never trailed, winning 81-52 behind 17 points from Jackson Shelstad. Dana Altman continued his impressive track record in the NCAA Tournament, moving to 9-0 in the Round of 64 in his 15 years leading the Ducks.
Take a look at the preview, including a final score prediction, below.
How to watch Oregon vs Arizona
Date: Sunday, March 22
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Venue: Climate Pledge Arena
How to Watch (TV): TBS
Streaming: March Madness Live
Oregon record: 25-9
Arizona record: 23-12
Oregon vs Arizona odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
Oregon +146
Arizona -178
Spread
Oregon +3.5 (-105)
Arizona -3.5 (-115)
Total
152.5 (over -110/under -110)
Oregon injury report
None reported at time of publication
Arizona injury report
Motiejus Krivas, C: Out (lower leg)
Arizona and Oregon series history
Arizona all-time record vs Oregon: 55-38
Oregon vs Arizona prediction
Dana Altman and Tommy Lloyd are no strangers, having faced off in the now-defunct PAC-12 six times before Sunday’s clash.
The Wildcats boast a top-12 offense in NCAA Basketball while Oregon ranks 22nd in adjusted KenPom defensive efficiency. If there’s one thing the Ducks do when on the defensive end, it’s defending the three-point shot. Opponents shoot just 31% against a stubborn and lengthy Oregon defense.
But what makes Arizona’s high-powered offense so dangerous is their ability to generate second-chance points with a strong interior offensive attack. The Wildcats are among the nation’s best in corralling offensive rebounds behind Tobe Awaka and Henri Veesaar. The Ducks are average at best on the boards.
The Wildcats are shooting over 55% from two. Finding ways to not only open the paint and get seven-footer Nate Bittle to defend on the perimeter will be key. There’s also an intriguing backcourt matchup here too. Caleb Love and Jaden Bradley are Tommy Lloyd’s backcourt staples. Dana Altman utilizes a well-rounded three-guard trio with Jackson Shelstad, Keeshawn Barthelemy and TJ Bamba.
In short, we may be in for a dramatic finish in Seattle. If Caleb Love can get hot and take good shots, I don’t think Oregon has the legs to run with Arizona (consistently) for a full 40 minutes. But Arizona must get hot because they shoot under 33% from three as a team. The Ducks have been playing their basketball as of late, going 9-1 over their past 10 games. And While Oregon shot the lights out in their beatdown over Liberty, I don’t think they pace with the Wildcats on Sunday. It will be close, but a Caleb Love dagger three seals the deal. Arizona wins in a one-possession battle.
Final score prediction: Arizona 82 Oregon 79