The Round of 16 in the 2025 Men’s College Basketball Tournament provides one of the most anticipated matchups of the season: Arizona versus Duke. Both teams have shown formidable talent throughout the tournament, but with recent performances and player health, Jane Sannes has identified two key bets and player props that could offer significant value.
1. Bet on Arizona +9.5
With the spread currently favoring Duke by 9.5 points, this line is reflective of Duke’s impressive tournament run, buoyed by their standout player, Cooper Flagg. However, Arizona has proven itself to be a worthy opponent, entering the tournament ranked 10th in combined power ratings among 4 seeds. Despite their struggles, including a narrow escape against Oregon in the previous round, they shot a remarkable 50% from beyond the arc.
Given the competitive nature of this matchup, taking Arizona at +9.5 can be seen as a strategic move. It’s a significant cushion, considering Arizona’s ability to compete at a high level. While Duke is a strong contender, this spread appears too large, allowing bettors to support the Wildcats without demanding a straight-up victory.
2. Player Prop: Tyrese Proctor Under 13.5 Points
Tyrese Proctor of Duke has emerged as a crucial player in the tournament, demonstrating impressive shooting from three-point range. However, a closer look at the matchup dynamics against Arizona suggests a potential regression in his scoring. Proctor has been exceptionally accurate, hitting 13 out of 16 attempts from beyond the arc in recent games, leading to impressive point totals of 19 and 25. One might expect this remarkable efficiency to stabilize, especially since Arizona’s defense has yielded fewer three-point attempts historically. Proctor’s season averages of 12.8 points against top-50 defenses indicate that he could likely revert closer to his baseline. Thus, placing a bet on Proctor to score under 13.5 points may offer valuable returns for savvy bettors who anticipate a dip in form.
Conclusion
As Arizona prepares to take on Duke, excitement runs high for this pivotal matchup. The key bets—Arizona at +9.5 and Proctor under 13.5 points—highlight the strategic angles bettors can pursue based on statistical evidence and recent performances. Whether you’re supporting the Wildcats or backing the Blue Devils, understanding the dynamics at play can enhance the viewing experience while potentially pocketing some wins along the way.
