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Sports Interaction Staff
Arizona (4) vs. Duke (1) Bracket Prediction: March Madness Sweet 16 Odds
Arizona didn’t forget what happened back in November. Duke walked into Tucson and left with a 69–55 win that never felt particularly close. Now, the Wildcats get a second shot in a far bigger moment—Thursday’s Sweet 16 matchup in Newark. A lot has changed since that first meeting. Duke has only strengthened its case as a national title favourite, while Arizona—left for dead after a rocky start—has rallied behind the shot-making of Caleb Love and timely contributions across the roster. This one has more weight, more pressure, and more urgency.
Arizona vs. Duke NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
As of Tuesday, Duke is listed as an 9.5-point favorite, with the total set at 153.5. The Blue Devils are -450 on the moneyline, while Arizona sits at +350. Duke has covered in both of its tournament games so far, including a dominant win over Baylor. Arizona, meanwhile, cashed as a slight underdog in their Round of 32 win over Oregon and has covered in four of their last five overall. With both teams capable of scoring in bunches, the over has drawn early interest as well.
Best Bets:
Duke -9.5: Given their recent form and depth, Duke is likely to cover the spread.
Over 153.5 points: Both teams have potent offenses, suggesting a high-scoring affair.
Arizona Wildcats
Arizona was down 14 to Oregon in the second round. Then Caleb Love happened. The senior guard poured in 29 points, including the go-ahead three with 1:21 left, capping a comeback that showed just how dangerous this team can be when they’re dialed in. Love’s confidence and his history of big performances against Duke isn’t in question. But for Arizona to hang around, they’ll need more than one hero. The Wildcats have struggled with consistency all season and will have to avoid the kind of cold stretches that buried them in the first meeting. The defense will need to step up too—Duke torched them from deep in November and hasn’t slowed down since.
Duke Blue Devils
Duke enters the Sweet 16 following a commanding 89-66 victory over Baylor. Guard Tyrese Proctor was instrumental, scoring 25 points on 9-of-10 shooting. Freshman standout Cooper Flagg contributed 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, demonstrating his versatility on the court. The Blue Devils have showcased a balanced attack throughout the tournament, with both Proctor and Flagg leading the offense. Duke’s defense has been equally impressive, effectively limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities. Their depth and experience make them a formidable opponent for any team.