2025 College Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 Preview - #4 Arizona vs. #1 Duke: Can the Wildcats upset the Blue Devils? March 27, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The highly anticipated Sweet 16 showdown between the Arizona Wildcats and the Duke Blue Devils is set for March 27, 2025, at 9:39 PM EDT at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Both teams bring unique strengths and challenges, making this an exciting battle in the NCAA Tournament.

Duke enters the matchup as the No. 1 seed, boasting an impressive 33-3 record. Under head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have been dominant, winning 27 of their last 29 games. They recently cruised past Baylor with an emphatic 89-66 victory, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. Leading the charge is freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, a dynamic player who has been a nightmare for opponents.

Arizona, seeded No. 4, holds a 24-12 record and has faced a rollercoaster journey through the tournament. After a shaky start, the Wildcats found their stride, edging out Oregon 87-83. Caleb Love was instrumental in that victory, dropping 29 points, and he will be a key figure in Arizona's game plan against Duke.

Arizona vs. Duke Sports Bet Odds

The Blue Devils are the favorites to win the game and advance to the Elite Eight. Here are our latest odds:

• The Blue Devils favored by 9.5 points, with a money line of -515.
• The Wildcats are the underdogs 5.5 points, with a money line of +410.
• The over/under is set at 153.5 points, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Duke's depth is one of its biggest strengths, with Flagg leading the way alongside standout performances from Tyrese Proctor, who recently notched a career-high 25 points, as well as Knueppel and Maluach, who add offensive versatility.

For Arizona, the duo of Caleb Love and Tobe Awaka will be crucial. Love's scoring ability and playmaking skills, combined with Awaka's rebounding and interior presence, will be vital in breaking down Duke's defense.

Defensively, Duke has been formidable, holding opponents to an average of just 66 points per game. Their ability to switch assignments and adapt on the fly has frustrated teams throughout the season. However, their relative inexperience in high-pressure situations could be a potential vulnerability.

Arizona Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils Injury Report

Arizona Wildcats

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Montiejus Krivas	C	Out

Duke Blue Devils

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Maliq Brown	F	Questionable

Arizona's biggest concern is shooting consistency. Their three-point accuracy has been unpredictable, and improving from beyond the arc will be critical if they hope to keep pace with Duke. Additionally, tightening up their transition defense will be necessary to contain the Blue Devils' fast-break opportunities.

Ultimately, the outcome will hinge on execution. Duke must maintain defensive intensity and take advantage of quick scoring chances, while Arizona needs a strong start, disciplined ball control, and dominance on the boards to stay competitive.

With a trip to the Elite Eight on the line, this Sweet 16 matchup embodies the excitement and drama of March Madness. Fans can expect a thrilling contest where the team that best imposes its style and handles the pressure will emerge victorious.

2024-25 Comparative Arizona vs. Duke Regular Season Stats

Arizona Wildcats 4th Big 12 (16-6) Overall (24-12) Away (6-5) STRK W2	VS	Duke Blue Devils 1st ACC (19-1) Overall (33-3) Home (17-0) STRK W13
82.2	Points Per Game	83.2
40.1	Rebounds Per Game	38.5
16.3	Assists Per Game	16.9
7.6	Steals Per Game	6.9
11.5	Turnovers Per Game	9.3