Oregon Men Surge Past Liberty, Come Up Short in Wild Finish Against Arizona

SEATTLE — Oregon men’s basketball showed why it belonged on the March Madness stage, dominating Liberty in the opening round before falling just short in a back-and-forth battle with Arizona in the Round of 32. The Ducks displayed growth, grit, and a glimpse of a bright future.

First Round: Oregon 81, Liberty 52

On March 21 at Climate Pledge Arena, the No. 5 seed Ducks wasted no time asserting themselves against No. 12 seed Liberty. An 18-2 run out of the gate set the tone, and Oregon never looked back. The Ducks maintained a double-digit lead for the final 36 minutes of the game.

Guard Jackson Shelstad led all scorers with 18 points, orchestrating the offense with poise. Center Nate Bittle added 14 points and seven rebounds, anchoring both ends of the floor. The Ducks shot 53% from the field and held Liberty to just 34%, showcasing their defensive identity.

Second Round: Arizona 87, Oregon 83

Oregon’s second-round matchup against No. 4 seed Arizona on March 23 was a test of endurance and execution. The Ducks came out firing, building a 15-point lead early behind aggressive drives and perimeter shooting. But Arizona rallied behind Caleb Love’s explosive second half, erasing the deficit and sealing an 87-83 victory in the closing minutes.

Shelstad once again paced Oregon with 22 points, while Bittle contributed 16 points and nine boards. The Ducks shot 50% from the field but allowed Arizona to match that efficiency while also getting outscored at the free-throw line.

What Oregon Did Well

Oregon thrived on defense all season, and that remained true in the tournament. Their ability to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and create transition opportunities gave them an edge. The Ducks also showed strong inside-out balance, with Shelstad driving the tempo and Bittle providing interior scoring.

Their opening-round dominance showed what happens when their energy and execution align. Offensively, they were fluid in transition and composed in the half court, especially in the first half of the Arizona game.

Where They Can Improve

Late-game execution is still a hurdle. Against Arizona, the Ducks surrendered a double-digit lead, in part due to defensive lapses and stalled offensive sets. Improving their ability to close games—through smarter possessions, better shot selection, and defensive focus—will be essential going forward.

They could also benefit from more consistent bench production. Depth remains a concern, particularly against teams like Arizona that can throw waves of athleticism and scoring at you.

Season Recap

The Ducks finished the season 25-10 overall, marking a bounce-back year in their first Big Ten campaign. With key wins over Alabama, Wisconsin, and Indiana twice, Oregon made noise in a crowded conference landscape. Shelstad’s emergence as a reliable scorer and Bittle’s steady presence in the post gave the Ducks a dynamic 1-2 punch.

Oregon’s NCAA Tournament showing reaffirmed the program’s upward trajectory under Dana Altman. With a blend of returning talent and promising recruits, the Ducks will enter 2025–26 with expectations to reach even greater heights.