The Arizona Wildcats and Oregon Ducks used to be top-end rivals in the Pac-12, but this season, both programs went their separate ways, departing for other power five conferences. Nonetheless, these two powerhouses have posed against each other with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line.
Oregon vs. Arizona Betting Preview
- Spread
Arizona -3.5 - Moneyline
Arizona -175, Oregon +145 - Over/Under
152.5 Points - Game Time
Saturday, March 23, 9:40 p.m. ET - Location
Seattle, Washington - How to Watch
TBS
Arizona and Oregon cruised through their first-round games, winning by a combined 57 points.
The Ducks were flawless against Liberty, leading wire to wire, including a 44-20 lead at halftime. The Wildcats took longer to take a stranglehold in their game against Akron.
Prediction for Oregon vs. Arizona
Arizona is one of the most dangerous teams in the country when Caleb Love is playing efficiently and under control. The problem is you never know which version of Love will show up.
The fifth-year guard averaged 16.2 points heading into the tournament but only shot 37.7% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range. His scoring output is somewhat dependent on volume.
Oregon can depend on a handful of players to produce points at a consistent rate, with Jackson Shelstad leading the way. The sophomore guard went 7-11 for 17 points on Friday night.
Arizona does have a size advantage with three players 6’8″ or taller. However, the Ducks’ perimeter scoring is much more efficient.
At this time of year, guard play is magnified when games are tighter, and managing the game is magnified in intense environments.
As stated, Love sometimes plays out of control and forces the issue, putting his team in uncomfortable situations. The former North Carolina guard is too erratic to trust in these games.
Other than backcourt play, the battle between Nate Bittle and Henri Veesaar could turn the tides of the game if Veesaar can provide the Wildcats with additional opportunities off the glass. Arizona needs this because of its inefficiency offensively.
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Although Arizona is the higher seed and favored, it isn’t easy to believe the Wildcats can replicate their performance against Akron.
Prediction: Oregon 81, Arizona 77
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