Caleb Love made a spectacular play on Monday night that left fans at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Arizona, buzzing with excitement. In a thrilling matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones, Love not only delivered a stunning 50-foot shot at the buzzer to force overtime but also led the Arizona Wildcats to a significant 86-75 victory during the extra period.
As the game approached its conclusion, Iowa State appeared to be in control and was on the verge of securing its 18th win of the season. After a couple of crucial free throws, the Cyclones led by two points. With only 2.2 seconds left on the clock, Love caught the inbounds pass and quickly raced up the court for one last chance to equalize. From well beyond the half-court line, Love released a shot that seemed to defy all odds as it swished through the net, sending the game into overtime.
“I don’t know what the odds are of that shot going in. Probably not real high,” commented Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events. His team had worked hard to maintain their lead, and that last-second shot turned the tide in favor of Arizona.
In overtime, Caleb Love continued to shine and was pivotal in Arizona’s success. He sank two back-to-back three-pointers, a feat that contributed to a strong 15-4 surge in the extra period. The Wildcats capitalized on this momentum, quickly pulling away from the Cyclones and securing what has been their most significant win of the season.
Arizona’s coach, Tommy Lloyd, expressed his admiration for Love’s performance, stating, “You’re just trying to hang in there and give yourself a chance…It was a great moment for Arizona basketball, and we’re gonna celebrate that.” His remarks highlighted not just the significance of the victory but also the spirit and resilience of the team throughout a challenging season.
Despite shooting only 4-of-14 from the three-point range during the game, Love finished with an impressive total of 22 points, along with 4.5 rebounds per game this season. His clutch performance showcased his evolution as a player since transferring from North Carolina, where he played for three years before joining the Wildcats.
Arizona’s victory brought their record to 14-6 and improved their status to 8-1 in Big 12 play. This success is particularly remarkable given that the team had previously faced difficulties, dropping five of their first nine games. However, the Wildcats have clearly found their footing and are gaining momentum as they push forward in the season.
On the other side, Iowa State is now grappling with its second loss in four games. The Cyclones had enjoyed a strong season earlier, at one point riding a 12-game winning streak and reaching a national ranking as high as No. 2. In this game, Tamin Lipsey led Iowa State with 18 points, primarily scoring in the first half, while Keshon Gilbert contributed 17 points. As they look ahead, the Cyclones are set to host Kansas State this Saturday before facing No. 11 Kansas next week.
The significance of Love’s buzzer-beater can’t be understated—it not only sealed the deal for Arizona in this game but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where momentum can shift in an instant. With the Wildcats back on track and building confidence, they’ll be seeking to capitalize on this victory as they continue to navigate the remainder of the season. The thrilling win over Iowa State could well be the spark that propels them forward in their quest for success in the Big 12.
