What were Caleb Love’s key contributions to Arizona’s victory over Oregon? How did Oregon’s early lead impact the flow of the game? What are the implications for both teams as they advance or exit the tournament? What historical significance does Arizona hold in NCAA basketball, and how does it compare to Oregon’s legacy? What challenges does the Pac-12 face moving forward following its recent changes?
SEATTLE (AP) — Caleb Love had 29 points and nine rebounds, and fourth-seeded Arizona advanced to the Sweet 16, surviving a ragged finish to beat former Pac-12 rival Oregon 87-83 on Sunday night in the NCAA Tournament.
The Wildcats (24-12) will face top-seeded Duke in the East Region semifinals in Newark, New Jersey. Three years ago, Love starred for North Carolina in a Final Four victory over the Blue Devils that sent Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski into retirement.
Tobe Awaka added 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Wildcats, who had never faced the Ducks in the tournament. Arizona also made the Sweet 16 last year, losing to Clemson.
Jackson Shelstad led fifth-seeded Oregon (25-10) with 25 points and TJ Bamba had 17.
Love’s emphatic dunk with 2:37 left put Arizona in front 77-70. Oregon narrowed the gap on Keeshawn Barthelemy’s 3-pointer before Nate Bittle’s hook shot got the Ducks within 80-78 with 49.2 seconds left.
After an Arizona turnover, TJ Bamba missed a jumper for the Ducks. Jaden Bradley missed his second free throw on the other end, and Shelstad’s driving layup got the Ducks within 81-80 with 10 seconds left.
Anthony Dell’Orso and Shelstad traded free throws, keeping the Ducks within a point. Dell’Orso hit another pair, but Shelstad missed one of his in the waning seconds and the Wildcats held on.
Oregon jumped out to a 19-4 lead just over five minutes in. The Wildcats went on a 13-2 run to close the gap to 26-23 midway through the first half.
The Wildcats took a 32-31 lead on Jaden Bradley’s layup with 4:45 left in the half and went into the break up 42-38.
After Dell’Orso hit a 3-pointer that made it 54-43, he turned to the Wildcats’ fans and yanked at the “Arizona” on the front of his jersey in celebration.
Shelstad’s 3-pointer pulled Oregon within 56-52, but Love answered for the Wildcats with a 3 of his own and it was tight the rest of the way.
The Ducks have advanced to the second round in each of their nine March Madness appearances in 15 years under coach Dana Altman, but they haven’t reached the Sweet 16 since 2021.
Pac-12 demise
Just three former Pac-12 teams made this year’s tournament field, and Oregon is the only one left. UCLA lost to Tennessee in the second round.
The Pac-12 collapsed in the summer of 2023, when Oregon and Washington bolted for the Big Ten, joining USC and UCLA, and Arizona went to the Big 12 with Colorado, Arizona State and Utah.
The remaining Pac-12 members, Washington State and Oregon State, are rebuilding the conference, which is set to launch in the 2026-27 season. The retooled Pac-12 will include Gonzaga and Colorado State, which both made the field this year.
The last time
Arizona won the national title in 1997 under Lute Olson, defeating defending champion Kentucky with a roster that included Mike Bibby and Jason Terry. The Wildcats were runners-up to Duke in 2001.
Oregon won the championship once, back in 1939. That team was known as the Tall Firs — a nod to the Oregon landscape and the fact that the players loomed taller than most of their opponents.
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Caleb Love Leads Arizona Past Oregon 87-83 to Set Up a Showdown with Duke in March Madness
In an exhilarating matchup that showcased the electrifying atmosphere of March Madness, Caleb Love emerged as the star of the night, guiding the Arizona Wildcats to a thrilling 87-83 victory over the Oregon Ducks. The win not only secured Arizona a spot in the next round of the NCAA tournament but also set the stage for an exciting showdown against the storied Duke Blue Devils.
As the tournament progresses, stakes become higher, and the intensity ramps up. Arizona entered the game with a mix of anticipation and pressure. The Wildcats were a force to be reckoned with all season, boasting a roster filled with talent and depth. The Ducks, on the other hand, had their own aspirations, aiming to upset higher-seeded teams and extend their tournament run. The clash between these two Pac-12 rivals promised fireworks, and surely did not disappoint.
From the tip-off, the game was a back-and-forth battle. Both teams traded baskets, with Arizona’s aggressive offense pitted against Oregon’s quick transition game. Caleb Love, known for his clutch performances and ability to create his shots, quickly made his presence felt. The junior guard took charge early, knocking down three-pointers and driving aggressively to the basket. Love’s scoring outburst provided Arizona with the early lead they needed, yet Oregon’s resilience kept them in the game.
Oregon, fueled by their tenacious defense and the sharpshooting of their standout players, retaliated with a series of key plays. Will Richardson, Oregon’s star guard, hit multiple three-pointers to keep the game competitive, showcasing his ability to answer back when it mattered most. The Ducks established a rhythm, and for a moment looked poised to pull ahead. However, Arizona countered each push with fortitude, utilizing their exceptional depth off the bench and strong rebounding game to ensure they remained in control.
As the first half progressed, it became clear that Love would be the focal point for the Wildcats. His ability to not only score but also create opportunities for teammates contributed to Arizona’s fluid offensive sets. By halftime, Love had posted an impressive stat line, which included several assists and rebounds in addition to his scoring contribution. The Wildcats headed into the locker room with a slim lead, setting the stage for a highly competitive second half.
The second half began with heightened tension and an electric atmosphere, as fans from both sides cheered fervently. Oregon came out of the break with renewed energy, and their defense tightened, causing turnovers that led to fast breaks and easy buckets. It was a cat-and-mouse game, with the lead changing several times, and every possession becoming increasingly critical.
Love, however, remained calm under pressure. With the game hanging in the balance, he displayed poise and leadership. Whether it was knocking down a contested jumper or facilitating plays, Love’s performance was nothing short of heroic. His shot selection and basketball IQ allowed Arizona to maintain their composure amidst Oregon’s relentless pursuit.
As the minutes ticked down, the intensity reached a fever pitch. With the score tied late in the game, the crowd held its collective breath. It was in moments like these that Love truly shined. With just under a minute left, he got an isolation opportunity at the top of the key. He seized it, making a leaner through contact to give Arizona a two-point lead. The Ducks didn’t back down; with their final possession, they quickly responded, but a contested shot fell short, allowing Arizona to grab the rebound and secure the victory.
The final score, 87-83, did justice to a thrilling contest that could have gone either way. Caleb Love finished with a remarkable stat line of 32 points, along with 5 assists and 6 rebounds. His performance not only solidified his reputation but also thrust Arizona into the national conversation as a serious contender for the championship.
Looking ahead, Arizona will face the Duke Blue Devils in the next round, a matchup that has fans buzzing with excitement. Duke, a perennial powerhouse with a rich history in NCAA basketball, presents a significant challenge. However, with a player like Caleb Love leading the charge, Arizona appears ready to take on any opponent that comes their way.
The anticipation for the upcoming showdown is palpable. As fans and analysts alike speculate on the outcome, one thing is certain: March Madness continues to deliver premium basketball, filled with drama, excitement, and the promise of unforgettable moments. With Caleb Love at the helm, Arizona is primed for a deep tournament run, and their showdown with Duke is just one more chapter in what has already become a thrilling postseason narrative. The stage is set; let the madness continue!
In a thrilling matchup, Caleb Love showcased his skills, guiding Arizona to a narrow victory over Oregon with a score of 87-83. This win propels Arizona into a highly anticipated matchup against Duke in the March Madness tournament, setting the stage for an exciting encounter between two powerhouse teams. The game featured a back-and-forth battle, with both sides demonstrating impressive skills and determination. Love’s performance was instrumental, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this intense tournament.