Caleb Love Shines as Arizona Advances to Sweet 16
Alright, let’s talk about March Madness and the electric performance we just witnessed from Caleb Love! If you missed Arizona’s game against Oregon, you missed a thriller. Caleb Love absolutely took charge, dropping 29 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead fourth-seeded Arizona to an intense 87-83 victory over Oregon. With this win, Arizona punches their ticket to the Sweet 16, setting up an exciting showdown with top-seeded Duke.
Now, for those who remember, Love isn’t new to March Madness heroics. Back in 2022, when he played for North Carolina, he was instrumental in the Tar Heels' Final Four victory over Duke—the game that sent legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski into retirement. And here he is again, ready to face Duke in another high-stakes matchup. You can already feel the anticipation building!
This game wasn’t smooth sailing for Arizona. Early on, Oregon came out firing and jumped to a massive 19-4 lead just five minutes in. But Arizona didn’t panic. They chipped away at the deficit, closing the gap with a 13-2 run and eventually taking a slim 42-38 lead at halftime. Love was in full control, hitting crucial shots and keeping the Wildcats’ momentum alive.
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Fast forward to crunch time—Arizona had a 77-70 lead after Love threw down a huge dunk. But Oregon wasn’t going down without a fight. The Ducks kept it close, with Nate Bittle’s hook shot making it 80-78 in the final minute. Then came the tense free-throw battle. Arizona’s Anthony Dell’Orso and Oregon’s Jackson Shelstad traded shots from the stripe, but a critical miss from Shelstad in the dying seconds sealed Oregon’s fate, and Arizona held on for the win.
This was a huge victory for Arizona, marking their second straight trip to the Sweet 16. Last year, they fell short against Clemson, but this time, they’re looking to go further. And standing in their way? None other than Duke—a team with championship aspirations and a roster packed with talent. It’s going to be an epic matchup, and all eyes will be on Caleb Love once again.
For Oregon, it’s a tough loss. They’ve been consistent under coach Dana Altman, making the second round in nine of their last 15 tournament appearances, but they haven’t reached the Sweet 16 since 2021. They fought hard, but this time, it just wasn’t enough.
And let’s not forget the Pac-12 angle—this tournament is a bit of a farewell tour for the conference as we know it. Oregon was one of just three former Pac-12 teams to make the field, and now, with UCLA out, they’re also gone. Arizona, however, is still alive, representing what remains of a storied conference in its final days.
So, mark your calendars—Arizona vs. Duke in the Sweet 16 is going to be must-watch basketball. Will Caleb Love deliver another unforgettable performance against Duke? We’ll find out soon. Stay tuned!
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