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ESPN Computer Predicts Winner Of Duke vs. Arizona

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 2:02 PM ET

The Duke Blue Devils cruised through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, setting up a date with the Arizona Wildcats in the Sweet Sixteen.

Two of the most storied programs in college basketball are set to square off with a spot in the Elite Eight on the line, and ESPN is picking a winner in Thursday night's matchup.

According to ESPN Analytics, the Duke Blue Devils have a 76% chance to win on Thursday. The prediction is in line with the spread for the game, with Duke entering as near double-digit favorites over the Wildcats.

The Blue Devils will be led by star freshman Cooper Flag, who got his first taste of the NCAA Tournament last week. Flagg, the projected top pick in this year's NBA Draft, is now only a few games away from winning a national championship.

If Flagg is able to lead the way and Duke ends up winning the title, he could be the first freshman to win the Most Outstanding Player award and the national title since Anthony Davis in 2012.

Duke is looking for its first men's basketball championship since 2015, and their first without legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Former Blue Devils player and current head coach Jon Scheyer now leads the team.

Arizona is looking to make it back to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015. They reached the Sweet Sixteen last year, and head coach Tommy Lloyd is looking to go back for the second year in a row.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 21: Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils runs down the court during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers at Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The winner of Saturday's game will remain in New Jersey for the Elite Eight, and they'l be set to face either BYU or Alabama. Flagg and some of the other young players may be leaving the program after this season, but they've got a great chance to make history with a national title as well.

For Arizona, they'll look to spoil Duke's party before it can get started, as they're looking to eliminate Flagg and the rest of Duke's talented freshman class.

Fans can tune into the game between Duke and Arizona on Thursday night at 7:30 PM on TBS.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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