Love's Heroics Fuel Arizona's Comeback Victory Over Oregon, Setting Stage for Duke Showdown

Spokane, WA – In a thrilling clash of former Pac-12 rivals, Arizona orchestrated a stunning comeback, defeating Oregon 87-83 and securing a coveted spot in the Sweet 16. The Wildcats' victory, fueled by Caleb Love's explosive performance, showcased his penchant for March Madness moments and set the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against Duke.

Oregon stormed out of the gates, building a commanding 19-4 lead in the opening minutes. However, Arizona responded with a ferocious 38-19 run to close the first half, seizing a 42-38 advantage. This remarkable comeback marked the second-largest rally by a Big 12 team in an NCAA tournament game since 2011, according to ESPN Research.

Caleb Love, a seasoned veteran with a history of clutch performances, led the charge with a game-high 29 points. His experience from North Carolina's 2022 Final Four run proved invaluable, as he delivered his sixth career NCAA tournament game with at least 15 points and three 3-pointers, tying for the fourth-most by any player this century.

Caleb Love: Arizona's Key to Sweet 16 Showdown Against Duke

For Arizona's upcoming clash against Duke, the spotlight firmly rests on Caleb Love. The veteran guard, intimately familiar with the Blue Devils from his time at North Carolina, holds the key to the Wildcats' success.

Love's ability to deliver spectacular performances, as evidenced by his 29-point outburst against Oregon and 27-point effort against Texas Tech, is undeniable. However, his inconsistency remains a factor. Entering Sunday's game, Love averaged 17.7 points and shot 38.9% from three-point range in Arizona's victories, but only 13.8 points and 21.1% from beyond the arc in their losses.

"It's always Caleb Love," Jeff Borzello noted. "He's capable of carrying this team, but he can also shoot them out of a game."

Beating Duke is a formidable challenge, and Arizona's chances hinge on Love performing at his All-American ceiling. His ability to replicate his Oregon performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of their Sweet 16 matchup.