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Oregon vs. Iona prediction and game preview, as the No. 3 Ducks and No. 14 Gaels face off in the NCAA Tournament.

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Oregon and Iona will meet in the first round of the Midwest region, with the Ducks coming in with a lot of firepower on offense. The Gaels will try and pull the upset, and will have to keep the turnovers down. Here is a preview of the first-round matchup in Sacramento.

Oregon vs. Iona Game Preview

Date: Friday, March 17
Venue:  Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Region: Midwest

Oregon Strengths

Oregon has so many weapons that it’s no surprise the Ducks are a legit Final Four contender. Dillon Brooks is one of the nation’s best players and can be counted on to take the last shot in crunch time. Casey Benson leads the Ducks’ 3-point shooting attack after shooting 43.8 percent from long range during the regular season. Add in Jordan Bell, Tyler Dorsey, Dylan Ennis, etc., and Oregon is primed for a deep run.

Oregon Weaknesses

Rebounding? Maybe? The Ducks finished fifth in the Pac-12 in average rebound differential, but it also led the conference in blocked shots per game, so it’s not as if they don’t protect the rim. Oregon isn’t flawless by any means, but it’ll take some very deep digging to find a true weakness.

Oregon Ducks In-Depth Analysis

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Iona Strengths

Tim Cluess and the Gaels were able to fill the A.J. English void with Jordan Washington, who is averaging 17.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. He’s a strong interior presence who can draw fouls and get to the free throw line as well. He’s joined by Jon Severe, who is drilling 43.9 percent of his shots from beyond the arc.

Iona Weaknesses

The offense is centered around Washington, as he takes the most shots of anyone when he is on the floor. Star guard play, though, is essential in March. Washington is a go-to player, but if he is taken out of the game, is the supporting cast strong enough to make enough baskets?

Iona Gaels In-Depth Analysis

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Oregon vs. Iona By The Numbers

Oregon Statistics

• Scoring Margin – 14.5 (9th nationally)
• Rebound Margin – 3.9 (65)
• TO Margin – 2.1 (55)
• 3PT FG – 38.2% (48)

Iona Statistics

• Scoring Margin – 4.1 (111)
• Rebound Margin –  -2.3 (272)
• TO Margin – 1.1 (111)
• 3PT FG – 39.7% (20)

Oregon vs. Iona Prediction

The Gaels are becoming regulars in the NCAA Tournament, but ultimately will not be able to compete with the Ducks, who have more weapons than their football team has uniform options. Oregon will roll into the second round.

Oregon vs. Iona Score Prediction: Oregon 94, Iona 68

MORE: Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket, Previews, Predictions