Arizona Vs Duke 🏀 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 3/27/25 639PM CBS

[WILD]

Arizona Vs Duke 🏀 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 3/27/25 639PM CBS

Get ready for a blockbuster clash as the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats face off against the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on March 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ (9:39 PM EDT, CBS).

This matchup pits two powerhouse programs with rich histories against each other as they battle for a spot in the Elite Eight.

The Rundown
These teams met earlier this season on November 22, 2024, at Arizona's McKale Center, where Duke rolled to a 69-55 victory. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Arizona struggled offensively, shooting just 39.6% from the field. Since then, Arizona has found its groove, averaging 90 points per game in the postseason and riding a wave of momentum after knocking off Oregon to reach this stage. Duke, meanwhile, has been a juggernaut, boasting a 91-point postseason scoring average and throttling opponents with a +33.5 scoring margin in their first two tournament games.

Key Stats
Arizona's Rebounding Prowess: The Wildcats lead the nation with a +24.3 rebounding margin and average 46 rebounds per game in the postseason. Transfer Tobe Awaka has been a beast, pulling down 12.3 boards per game this season.

Duke's Efficiency: The Blue Devils are the only top-five team in both offensive and defensive efficiency (per KenPom), led by Flagg's all-around brilliance (16.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4 APG). They've shot 55.7% from the field in the tournament.

Head-to-Head History: Arizona holds a 6-4 edge in the all-time series, including a 78-73 upset at Cameron Indoor Stadium in 2023. This will be their first NCAA Tournament meeting since 2011, when Arizona edged Duke 93-77 en route to the Elite Eight.

Players to Watch
Cooper Flagg (Duke): The projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg's versatility (1.8 BPG, 2 SPG) makes him a nightmare matchup. He torched Arizona for 24 points in November—expect him to be the focal point again.

Jaden Bradley (Arizona): The Wildcats' leading scorer (14.7 PPG) dropped 18 points against Duke earlier this season. His ability to penetrate Duke's defense could be the X-factor.

Kon Knueppel (Duke): Duke's sharpshooting freshman (14.8 PPG) adds another dimension, hitting 50% of his threes in recent games.

Fun Facts
Arizona's Tommy Lloyd is chasing his third Elite Eight trip in four seasons, a feat that would tie him with Lute Olson for the fastest start by a Wildcats coach.

Duke's Jon Scheyer has a 7-3 record against Top 25 teams since taking over, including this season's road win at Arizona.

The Wildcats' 50% offensive rebound rate earlier this season was the nation's best, but Duke limited them to just six offensive boards in their last meeting.

What to Expect
Expect a faster, higher-scoring affair than their November slugfest (124 total points). Arizona's improved bench, led by KJ Lewis and Anthony Dell'Orso, should keep them in striking distance, while Duke's multi-talented attack—powered by Flagg, Knueppel, and center Khaman Maluach—will test the Wildcats' defense. Rebounding will be the battleground: if Arizona dominates the glass like they have all tournament, they could pull the upset. But Duke's highly talented roster might just prove too much for the Wildcats. Buckle up—this one's going to be awesome!

Arizona is favored at 9.5 points and the Over/Under is 153.5 points

Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Blue Devils

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[WILD]

https://x.com/KevinParrom3/status/1905008131370819758?t=GIWJg16e7L6D5WmFooqWEA&s=19

[KansasCityCats]

KP3. One of the most polite and genuine humans...until he hits the court. Miss that kid.

[WILD]

https://x.com/Zona_Briggs/status/1905395598095720861?t=wQztG6mgPTddEgWX-mqePg&s=19

[arxpert]

No team defense. Same story all season. 1 dimensional. Took a lot for Duke to win though so they may be the weakest 1 seed of the 1's after all.

If Bama somehow loses after their absolute decimation of BYU as in their shooting doesn't carry over, then I am hoping to see Duke vs Houston.