Latest news with #NateBittle
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oregon basketball center Nate Bittle not invited to NBA Combine
Oregon basketball center Nate Bittle not invited to NBA Combine Although Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle was assumed to return to the program for the 2025-26 season, the 7-footer from Central Point, Ore. wanted to test out the NBA draft waters. On Friday, he received some news on that front. Bittle did not receive an invitation to the NBA Combine later this month, which could diminish his chances of being drafted in June. This might be disappointing news for Bittle, but it's potentially good news for the Ducks, who will have one of the best centers in the country next season if he chooses to return for one more year in Eugene. Bittle asked for and got an extra year of eligibility for the time he spent most of the 2023-24 season injured and sick. In this past season, he stayed healthy and as a result, had a career year for the Ducks, averaging 14 points and nearly eight rebounds a game. Bittle also shot 51 percent from the field and almost 34 percent from the three-point line. Overall, not going to the combine and not being drafted this year could very well be a blessing in disguise for Bittle. Assuming his stats stay on an upward trajectory, he should be a first-round draft pick next June and be a contributor for an NBA team somewhere. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oregon C Nate Bittle declares for 2025 NBA Draft
Oregon C Nate Bittle declares for 2025 NBA Draft Oregon Ducks star center Nate Bittle is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, according to a post on Bittle's Instagram account. Bittle has remaining eligibility due to a season plagued by injuries in 2024, and despite entering the draft, Bittle will be maintaining his collegiate eligibility, allowing him to come back to Oregon if he changes his mind in the coming weeks. In his post, Bittle states that if he returns to college next fall, he will not be entering the transfer portal. After missing almost all of the 2024 season, Bittle wasted no time becoming one of the Ducks' most dominant players in 2025. Playing 35 games in this season, Bittle led the Ducks in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, averaging 14.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. In Oregon's two NCAA Tournament Games, Bittle scored a combined 30 points, grabbed 21 rebounds, and dished four assists. In the Ducks' final game of the regular season, Bittle dragged the Ducks to victory, scoring 36 of Oregon's 80 points against an inferior Washington team. The 2024-25 season was by far Bittle's best as a Duck, but Bittle has had an impactful career at Oregon since joining the Ducks in 2021. A former 5-star recruit from Central Point, Oregon, Bittle holds career averages of 8.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 blocks. As a 7-foot-tall shooting threat, Bittle could be a touted prospect for NBA teams. In the modern game, a big with the ability to stretch the floor is invaluable, and with Bittle's skill protecting the rim, a team wouldn't be sacrificing anything on the defensive end by throwing Bittle into the game. Most draft analysts project Bittle as a second-round pick, but since Bittle had a breakout season in 2025, he may get a second look, especially now that he's declared for the draft. To handle the physicality of the NBA, Bittle may look to put on 10-15 pounds, which would make him a more imposing force in the paint.
USA Today
24-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oregon Basketball Instant Reactions: Ducks run out of time against Arizona
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.
USA Today
23-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oregon basketball vs. Arizona live score: March Madness prediction, where to watch
Oregon basketball vs. Arizona live score: March Madness prediction, where to watch The Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats are no strangers to high-stakes games against each other, but it usually came in the Pac-12 Conference Tournament rather than the NCAA Tournament. For the first time ever, Oregon and Arizona will meet in March Madness on Sunday night. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16 and face the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils. It would be the sixth time that an Altman-coached team would reach the second weekend of the tournament, while Arizona's Tommy Lloyd would be looking to make the Sweet 16 for the third time in his four years as the head coach of the Wildcats. Both teams are coming off of blowout wins in the first round, and are likely feeling pretty good going into this matchup. The Ducks dismantled the Liberty Flames, 81-52, in the first round on Friday night, led by strong games from both Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad. In a game that was expected to see Oregon use their size to dominate in the paint, the Ducks came out and shot the lights out, hitting 48% from beyond the arc. Similarly, Arizona looked flawless in its first-round game against the Akron Zips, winning 93-65. The last time the Ducks and Wildcats met was in the semifinal of last year's Pac-12 Championship. Arizona was a Top-10 team in the country and a shoo-in for March Madness, while Oregon's only road to the NCAA Tournament was as an automatic qualifier. The Wildcats had destroyed the Ducks twice already that season, but in the conference tournament, Oregon came out on top and booked their ticket to the tournament the next day with a win over Colorado. Sunday's game will be the 61st meeting between these two teams, and that history should make for a great game. Duck basketball fans can find everything they need to know ahead of Oregon's second March Madness game below. We will provide live score updates and analysis throughout the evening. What channel is Oregon vs Arizona on today? Where to watch, stream live TV channel: TBS TBS Stream: NCAA March Madness Live app | Sling TV Oregon will tip off vs. Arizona on TBS. Streaming options include the NCAA March Madness Live app and Sling TV. Announcers for the game are Lisa Byington, Robbie Hummel, Jalen Rose, and Andy Katz. Oregon vs. Arizona start time, TV Channel, and Location TV Channel: TBS Start time: 9:40 p.m. ET, 6:40 p.m. PT Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle (WA) Oregon vs Arizona preview Oregon: The Ducks are going to need to rely on their shooting and defense in this one, with big games needed from Jackson Shelstad, Nate Bittle, and TJ Bamba, in particular. While Oregon dominated Liberty with its size, they won't have the same luxury against an Arizona team that is equally as big and skilled. If the Ducks can make their shots, they've got a chance at moving on to the Sweet 16. However, this season has featured many cold streaks for Oregon, so it's a real question as to which offensive team shows up. Arizona: Led by Caleb Love and Jaden Bradley, the Wildcats are a team that can put up points in a hurry with elite guard play. They also have the ability to dump it inside to Henry Veesar and pound in the paint as well. As with many games in March, this one seemingly is going to come down to who can shoot better, and if Love, who is every experienced in the tournament, can get hot, then Arizona has a great chance to move on to the Sweet 16. Oregon vs Arizona odds, betting line, spread Odds according to BetMGM. Moneyline: Arizona -175 // Oregon +145 Spread: Arizona -3.5 // Oregon +3.5 Over/under: 151.5 Keys to the Game Oregon Control the tempo, especially on defense. Arizona likes to play with pace which helps them score a lot of points. Force Caleb Love to take bad shots. Force Arizona to take threes. As a team, they shoot over 20 per game but make less than a third. Arizona Get Caleb Love hot early. Force Bittle into switches on pick-and-rolls to open up the paint. The Wildcats are one of the most efficient interior offenses in the country. Protect the defensive glass. Arizona has been bad at preventing offensive rebounds and second-chance points all year. Oregon vs. Arizona Predictions, Game Picks Arizona 77, Oregon 71: It's not easy to pick against Dana Altman and the Ducks in March, but when going up against an experienced tournament team like Arizona, who can score in bunches, it's the gut feeling that I have. When the Ducks play their best, they can compete with almost anyone in the nation, but we've seen then subvert expectations many times this year, with long stretches of games passing by without shots falling. I like Oregon's ability to keep this one close, thanks to their perimeter defense, but in the end, I think Caleb Love and the Wildcats prove to be too much to handle. Oregon vs. Arizona Stats Oregon PPG: 76.4 76.4 PPG Allowed: 70.4 70.4 FG Percentage: 45.9 45.9 3FG Percentage: 34.4 Arizona PPG: 82.1 82.1 PPG Allowed: 72.2 72.2 FG Percentage: 47.6 47.6 3FG Percentage: 32.9 Oregon vs Arizona championship odds Odds according to BetMGM: Oregon Ducks: +15000 Arizona Wildcats: +5000 Oregon Ducks basketball schedule 2023-24 Below are the past five games of Oregon Ducks 2023-24 basketball season. Mar. 4 73-64 Win vs. Indiana Hoosiers Mar. 9 80-73 OT Win vs. Washington Huskies Mar. 13 72-59 Win vs. Indiana Hoosiers Mar. 14 74-64 Loss to Michigan State Spartans Mar. 21 81-52 Win vs. Liberty Flames (NCAA Tournament) Mar. 23 Oregon Ducks vs. Arizona Wildcats (NCAA Tournament Arizona Wildcats basketball schedule 2023-24 Below are the past five games of the Arizona Wildcats 2023-24 basketball season.
USA Today
23-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What channel is Oregon vs Arizona on today? Time, TV schedule for March Madness game
What channel is Oregon vs Arizona on today? Time, TV schedule for March Madness game The Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats both took care of business in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and they did so in a dominant fashion. On Friday night, No. 5 seed Oregon impressed in the last game of the first round of March Madness and blew the No. 12 Liberty Flames out of the arena, winning 81-52 in a game that was never close. The Ducks were led by Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle, who combined for 31 points. Arizona looked just as dominant in the game before Oregon, beating the Akron Zips 93-65, with five different players scoring in double figures. Now, it has set us up for what was one of the best rivalries in the old Pac-12 Conference, with Oregon and Arizona facing off on the hardwood. As we approach Sunday's tipoff, here is where and when to watch Oregon and Arizona in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Watch select 2024 NCAA Tournament games live with Sling TV What channel is Oregon-Arizona NCAA Tournament game? Time, TV schedule TV Channel: TBS Start time: 9:40 p.m. ET, 6:40 p.m. PT Oregon's NCAA Tournament game vs. Arizona can also be heard on the Oregon Radio Network. How to Stream Oregon vs Arizona today in March Madness? TV channel: TBS Oregon Ducks will tip off vs. Arizona Wildcats on TBS. Streaming options include the NCAA March Madness Live app and Sling TV, which offers a free trial. Announcers for the game are Lisa Byington, Robbie Hummel, Jalen Rose, and Andy Katz. Oregon vs Arizona odds in March Madness Moneyline: Arizona -200 / Oregon +165 Arizona -200 / Oregon +165 Spread: Oregon +4.5 Oregon +4.5 Over/under: 153.5 Oregon Ducks basketball schedule 2023-24 Below are the past five games of the Oregon Ducks 2023-24 basketball season. Mar. 4 73-64 Win vs. Indiana Hoosiers Mar. 9 80-73 OT Win vs. Washington Huskies Mar. 13 72-59 Win vs. Indiana Hoosiers Mar. 14 74-64 Loss to Michigan State Spartans Mar. 21 81-52 Win vs. Liberty Flames (NCAA Tournament) Mar. 23 Oregon Ducks vs. Arizona Wildcats (NCAA Tournament Arizona Wildcats basketball schedule 2023-24 Below are the past five games of the Arizona Wildcats 2023-24 basketball season.
