Oregon shoots season-low at free throw line in NCAA Tournament loss to Caleb Love, Arizona

SEATTLE — Having its best season from the free throw line in 11 years, Oregon had its worst night at the line since last year’s season opener.

Despite opening with a 19-4 lead, the No. 5 seed Ducks trailed at the half and were never able to regain control in an 87-83 loss to No. 4 seed Arizona Sunday night at Climate Pledge Arena.

Jackson Shelstad had 25 points, Nate Bittle had 16 points and 11 rebounds and TJ Bamba scored 17 for the Ducks (25-10), whose season comes to a close in the second round for a season straight year.

UO shot 12 of 22 from the free throw line.

Caleb Love had 29 points, nine rebounds and four assists for Arizona (24-12), which advances to play No. 1 seed Duke (33-3) in the Sweet 16 on Thursday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Oregon started white hot, opening a 19-4 lead in the first 5:11. But Arizona steadily chipped away and eventually took the lead after a second 9-0 run and went into the half up 42-38.

The Ducks made 6 of their last 21 attempts from the field, including just 1 of 7 threes, to end the first half.

Tobe Awaka (14 rebounds) was one of four Wildcats to score 12 points.