Oregon Basketball Instant Reactions: Ducks run out of time against Arizona

USA Today

24-03-2025

Oregon Basketball Instant Reactions: Ducks run out of time against Arizona
The Oregon Ducks have fallen in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, losing to the 4-seed Arizona Wildcats, 87-83. The Ducks led big in the first half, and in the second half, Oregon brought an 11-point deficit back to one but couldn't complete the comeback.
Down the stretch, Oregon inched closer with Nate Bittle post-hooks, stops on the other end, and missteps from the Wildcats. But in the final seconds, with the Ducks down three, Arizona intentionally fouled twice, denying Oregon an opportunity to tie the game. With 3.9 seconds left and the Ducks down 85-83, Jackson Shelstad intentionally missed a free throw hoping to give the Ducks a chance, but the Wildcats secured the rebound.
This loss marks the end of a 25-10 season for Oregon that was full of ups and downs. The Ducks started the year so hot, picking up wins over Alabama and Texas A&M. Then, in January and February, the Ducks went ice-cold, losing five straight, but they rallied, winning their last six regular season games. Oregon surely hoped to advance further than the round of 32 for the second year in a row, but this was still a successful season for the Ducks.
Oregon vs Arizona Keys to the Game
Arizona's offense in the second half was led by a tremendous effort from veteran guard Caleb Love. Love is a capable scorer, but often, he doesn't shoot efficiently. On Sunday night, Love was incredibly efficient, scoring 29 points on 10/18 shooting. His 5/7 three-point field goals — especially the ones he hit down the stretch — gave Arizona massive momentum toward victory.
Oregon's matchup zone defense kept the Ducks from boxing out consistently, which gave the Wildcats a plethora of offensive rebounds. After Oregon started the game with a big lead, second-chance opportunities were how the Wildcats worked their way back into the game.
All season, the Ducks have been one of the best free-throw shooting teams in the country — across the board. Against Arizona, the Ducks made just 12 of 22 free throws, letting Arizona off the hook for a foul heavy second half.
After a lackluster start, Nate Bittle started to find his stride in the post hitting hook shots down the stretch. A big reason for his improvement was a change in primary defender from Tobe Awaka (who picked up his fourth foul with eight minutes to go) to Henri Veesaar who was a much less physical defender.
Oregon vs Arizona Players of the Game
Jackson Shelstad: 25 points, 9/14 FGs, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal
25 points, 9/14 FGs, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal Nate Bittle : 16 points, 7/13 FGs, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
: 16 points, 7/13 FGs, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal KJ Evans : 6 points, 2/6 FGs, 10 rebounds, 1 steal
: 6 points, 2/6 FGs, 10 rebounds, 1 steal TJ Bamba: 16 points, 6/13 FGs, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Oregon vs Arizona Notable Stats
Oregon has shot over 75% on the season from the free throw line, but on Sunday night, they made 12/22 (55%).
The Ducks were decent from three, making 7/20 (35%), but the Wildcats were fantastic making 10/20 (50%).
Throughout the game, the Ducks struggled to protect the basketball. They finished with 9 turnovers, which Arizona scored 8 points off of.
The Wildcats outrebounded the Ducks 44 to 37.
What's Next for the Oregon Ducks
This is it for the Oregon Ducks... until next October. In the modern era of college basketball, it's impossible to say what the 2026 Ducks will look like. Shelstad, Bittle, and Evans all have eligibility to return next season, and if they do, Oregon will be in a position to compete nationally once again.