The Arizona Wildcats, under the astute leadership of head coach Tommy Lloyd, have navigated a transformative season marked by strategic evolution and adaptability, culminating in a 4-seed placement in the NCAA Tournament. Transitioning from the Pac-12 to the Big 12, Arizona faced the challenge of integrating into a new conference landscape while maintaining their competitive edge. The Wildcats’ offensive strategy has undergone a significant shift, particularly in their perimeter shooting. Throughout the season, Arizona’s three-point shooting hovered around 32.9%, a figure that underscored a reliance on interior scoring and mid-range play. However, in a remarkable turnaround over the past six games, the Wildcats have elevated their three-point accuracy to an impressive 42.2%. This surge was epitomized in their commanding 93-65 victory over Akron, where they connected on 12 of 25 attempts from beyond the arc. This newfound proficiency stretches opposing defenses, creating additional spacing for drives and post plays, thereby enhancing the overall fluidity of their offense. Central to this offensive renaissance is guard Caleb Love, whose confidence and shooting mechanics have been instrumental in this uptick. Love’s ability to score both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot scenarios adds a versatile dimension to Arizona’s backcourt. Complementing Love is forward Pelle Larsson, whose perimeter shooting and high basketball IQ have made him a critical component in Tommy Lloyd’s system, especially in the past few weeks where his ability to stretch defenses and find seams in the opposition has helped Arizona diversify its offense beyond the paint. The frontcourt remains a formidable strength for the Wildcats, anchored by Oumar Ballo, a dominant presence inside who averages a double-double and provides the kind of rim protection, rebounding, and interior scoring that few teams in the tournament can match. Ballo’s consistency in establishing low-post position and finishing through contact has allowed Arizona to control the pace of games, while fellow big man Keshad Johnson contributes elite-level athleticism, transition finishing, and defensive versatility, making Arizona one of the most physically imposing frontlines in the field.

Coach Lloyd’s game plans have emphasized tempo and spacing, encouraging quick ball movement and unselfishness—reflected in Arizona’s top-10 national ranking in assists per game—while also tightening up on defense, where the Wildcats are holding opponents to under 42% shooting from the field. What makes Arizona particularly dangerous heading into this second-round showdown with Oregon is the timing of their peak; their shooters are hot, their defense is engaged, and the team appears to be fully locked into their March mission. This matchup has added emotional and tactical weight given the recent Pac-12 rivalry with Oregon, who defeated Arizona in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals. The Wildcats will undoubtedly use that loss as motivation, and their familiarity with Oregon’s schemes and personnel gives them an advantage in terms of preparation and execution. Key to victory will be containing Oregon’s dynamic guard play, defending without fouling, and maintaining defensive discipline against Dana Altman’s motion-heavy offense. On the offensive end, Arizona must continue to hit perimeter shots to loosen up Oregon’s defensive shell, and find ways to exploit Ballo’s size advantage inside. With strong bench contributions from Jaden Bradley and Kylan Boswell, who bring both scoring punch and backcourt defensive depth, Arizona boasts one of the deepest and most balanced rotations in the tournament, capable of adjusting to game flow and capitalizing on mismatches. While the betting line lists Arizona as a 4.5-point favorite, the Wildcats will approach this game with the urgency and focus of a team that knows every possession counts in March. Their combination of size, momentum, shooting efficiency, and leadership makes them a legitimate threat not just to advance to the Sweet 16, but to make a deeper run in the tournament. If they play their game—controlling the boards, sharing the basketball, and locking in defensively—Arizona has every tool needed to handle the Ducks and reinforce their reputation as one of the most complete and dangerous teams in college basketball this season.