TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — March Madness continues.
The HUB Restaurant and Playground in Downtown was the location for the U of A Athletics official watch party this year.
Many fans joined in on the fun to watch No. 4 Arizona take on No. 5 Oregon in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Michael Fahey, the general manager of both establishments says it's been a great opportunity and is happy to support the Wildcats.
“Honestly I’m thrilled about it. They approached us. We have been a long supporter of U of A Athletics. We have a lot of ties with U of A Athletics. I’d love to think that’s a reason why they gave us a call, but when they did we were super excited to say yes and be a part of it. And hopefully we can do this all the way through the finals,” Fahey said.
Though it didn’t start well here at Playground as the Wildcats were trailing the Oregon Ducks at the beginning of the game, it wasn't long until Arizona found their momentum.
Guard Jaden Bradley was the one who put the Cats ahead with a layup making it 32-31 and going into the half, Arizona was up 42-38.
In the second half, the Wildcats held on strong down to the wire, having fans on the edge of their seat.
But not for long as they won 87-83.
Arizona fan Sammy Kunduii is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and says he's been a fan since he moved to the U.S. in 2009.
"I was raised here so it became obviously home and so I've grown to love this community," Kunduii said.
He says the game against Oregon had him going through all the emotions, but knew they would pull through.
“Like they say on their social media, gritty boyz. That's all it is, they show that grit, they got that toughness, and over all, they overcame that deficit in the beginning. So it was a roller coaster of emotions," Kunduii said.
Another Arizona fan, Walter Walema, has high hopes for the Cats.
"I’m hoping at least the elite eight. It’s been years since we’ve got that far," Walema said.
Kevin Roumtree says he's born and raised in Tucson, so he's a lifelong Arizona fan.
He says this team has strong players and has faith in them.
“I think Caleb Love really helps us out a lot, you know he does a good job leading the team, Bradley as well too," Roumtree said.
And Love definitely gave his team love with 29 points guiding the Wildcats to victory.
It was a very close game, but it’s No. 4 Arizona moving onto the Sweet 16 and will face No. 1 Duke on Thursday March 27 in New Jersey.
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Vanessa Gongora is KGUN 9's Westside reporter.. Vanessa fell in love with storytelling by growing up in sports. She was fascinated by how sports reporters go beyond the x's & o's to tell players' stories, and how sports bring people together, inspiring Vanessa to provide the same impact as a journalist. Share your story ideas and important issues with Vanessa by emailing vanessa.gongora@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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