The Duke Blue Devils are one step closer to their national championship aspirations after an impressive second-round win over Baylor. However, their next NCAA Tournament matchup carries extra weight, as they face a familiar foe in Arizona guard Caleb Love.
The former North Carolina standout has a long history with Duke, including a legendary performance in the 2022 Final Four. Love looks to lead the Wildcats to a Sweet 16 upset over the East Region’s No. 1 seed Blue Devils.
Duke dominated Arizona once this season, securing a 14-point victory on the road in November. The Blue Devils are favored again, but the Wildcats have been on fire from beyond the arc, shooting 43.4% from deep over their last seven games. Will Love and Arizona’s newfound shooting prowess be enough to pull off the upset?
Duke vs. Arizona Betting Preview
All Duke vs. Arizona odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
- Spread: Duke -9.5
- Moneyline: Duke -450 | Arizona +350
- Over/Under: 153.5 points
- Game Time: Thursday, March 27, 9:39 p.m. ET
- Location: Prudential Center | Newark, NJ
- How To Watch: CBS
The Blue Devils enter as significant favorites, having easily controlled their first two tournament games. Their dominance against Baylor, an 89-66 victory, showcased their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Duke ranks among the top 20 teams nationally in both three-point shooting percentage and defense, making them a tough matchup for any opponent.
Meanwhile, Arizona’s recent shooting surge has kept them alive in the tournament. After holding off Oregon in an 87-83 thriller, the Wildcats have won five of their last seven games. However, Arizona’s reliance on hot shooting may be risky against a Duke team that thrives on defending the perimeter.
Duke vs. Arizona CSN Winning Probability
- Duke: 75.3%
- Arizona: 24.7%
The CSN model heavily favors Duke, which aligns with Vegas oddsmakers setting them as nearly double-digit favorites. Arizona’s recent offensive form suggests they have the potential to keep the game close, but Duke’s well-rounded attack and defensive efficiency make them the clear front-runner. If the Wildcats continue their elite shooting from deep, they could push Duke more than expected.
Prediction for Duke vs. Arizona
Duke’s balance on both ends of the floor, combined with their experience and depth, makes them the stronger team heading into this Sweet 16 battle. The Blue Devils’ top-five ranking in both two-point shooting and defense suggests Arizona will have difficulty scoring inside, forcing them into a high-volume three-point strategy. While Love has a history of rising to the occasion against Duke, his Wildcats must play near-perfect basketball to pull off the upset.
KEEP READING: Caleb Love Record vs Duke: Will His 4-3 Record Help Lead Arizona to Victory in the Sweet 16?
Expect Duke to control the tempo and use their defensive strengths to limit Arizona’s offensive opportunities. Love may have another standout performance, but ultimately, the Blue Devils’ depth and efficiency will be too much for Arizona to overcome.
Prediction: Duke 82, Arizona 78
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