Arizona Advances: Love Leads 87-83 Victory Over Oregon Duke Next

Caleb Love’s impressive 29-point, 9-rebound performance propelled fourth-seeded Arizona past Oregon in a tense 87-83 victory, securing their spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats will now face top-seeded Duke in a highly anticipated matchup in Newark, New Jersey.  

The game was a rollercoaster, with Oregon jumping out to an early 15-point lead. However, Arizona displayed composure, gradually chipping away at the deficit and ultimately seizing control. Tobe Awaka’s double-double (12 points, 14 rebounds) provided crucial support for the Wildcats.

Despite Jackson Shelstad’s 25 points for Oregon, the Ducks struggled from the free-throw line, missing 10 attempts that proved costly in the close finish. Love’s clutch dunk late in the game gave Arizona a pivotal lead, but Oregon fought back, narrowing the gap to a single point in the final seconds.  

Arizona’s victory marks their second consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. Coach Tommy Lloyd praised his team’s “zero-zero score, so what, now what mentality,” highlighting their poise and focus throughout the game.

The win also carries added significance, as Arizona is the last remaining former Pac-12 team in the tournament. The conference’s dissolution in 2023 adds an extra layer of narrative to Arizona’s tournament run.

Looking ahead, the matchup against Duke holds historical weight, particularly for Caleb Love, who played a key role in North Carolina’s victory over the Blue Devils in Mike Krzyzewski’s final Final Four appearance.

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