Introduction
The battles between the Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats have been a central feature of Pac-12 basketball. While both schools share a long history in the conference, their 2025 NCAA Tournament clash elevated the rivalry to another level. Packed with drama, comebacks, and standout performances, this game showed March Madness at its very best.
Head-to-Head Overview
| Category | Oregon Ducks | Arizona Wildcats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Recent Meeting | 2025 | 2025 | NCAA Tournament – Second Round |
| Final Score (2025) | 83 | 87 | Arizona rallied from 15 points down |
| Important Players (2025) | Jackson Shelstad – 25 pts | Caleb Love – clutch performance | Leaders for each team |
Match Timeline
| Date | Event | Location | Winner | Score | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 23, 2025 | NCAA Tournament – Round of 32 | Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle | Arizona Wildcats | 87–83 | Arizona came back from a 15-point deficit behind Caleb Love’s leadership and timely shooting |
2025 NCAA Tournament Showdown
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Final Score: Arizona 87, Oregon 83
How It Went Down
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Oregon took control early, building a 15-point lead with fast tempo and efficient shooting.
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After halftime, Arizona tightened its defense and shot an impressive 50% from three-point range.
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In the closing minutes, Arizona’s composure at the free-throw line sealed the win while Oregon faltered.
Best Performers
| Team | Key Players & Contributions |
|---|---|
| Oregon | Jackson Shelstad – 25 points, kept Ducks in contention until the final buzzer |
| Arizona | Caleb Love – leader under pressure; Anthony Dell’Orso – clutch threes and free throws; Tobe Awaka – dominated rebounding in the first half |
Team Statistics
| Statistic | Oregon Ducks | Arizona Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 47.1% | 45.5% |
| 3-Point % | 35.0% | 50.0% |
| Rebounds | 37 | 44 |
| Free Throw % | 54.5% | 70.8% |
| Turnovers | 9 | 9 |
| Fast Break Points | 13 | 11 |
| Personal Fouls | 18 | 19 |
Ideas and Lessons
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Resilience Wins: Arizona’s comeback from 15 points down showed championship-level toughness.
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Free Throw Factor: Arizona’s 70.8% FT vs. Oregon’s 54.5% FT proved decisive.
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Shooting Edge: Wildcats’ 50% from three was the game’s turning point.
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Rivalry Context: Longtime Pac-12 foes met on a national stage—Arizona handled the pressure better.
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Classic March Madness: The game highlighted the unpredictable, high-drama nature of the NCAA Tournament.
Quick Summary
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Final Score: Arizona 87, Oregon 83
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Biggest Change: Arizona erased a 15-point deficit
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Leaders: Shelstad (Oregon, 25 points), Love (Arizona, clutch leader)
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Key Stat: Arizona’s 50% 3-point shooting fueled the comeback
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Result: Arizona advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, while Oregon’s season ended despite a strong effort
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