TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - On a night filled with tension and excitement, Caleb Love delivered one of the most unforgettable moments of his career. With the game hanging by a thread, Love hit a breathtaking halfcourt heave as time expired to tie the score at 71, sending the Arizona Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones to overtime. Arizona would seize the momentum from there, clinching an 86-75 victory over the No. 3 ranked Cyclones at McKale Memorial Center on Monday night.
The contest was set against the backdrop of the Wildcats (14-6, 8-1 Big 12) seeking to solidify their position within the conference. The Cyclones (17-3, 7-2 Big 12) aimed to extend their winning streak and maintain their top-tier status. With Iowa State seemingly controling the game, Love's last-second shot completely changed the narrative.
“Best moment of my life,” Love exclaimed after the game, reflecting on the incredible play. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd was equally thrilled, describing the shot as part of "great theater," showcasing the resilience and spirit inherent to college basketball.
Iowa State was poised for victory with just 2.2 seconds left following Joshua Jefferson's free throw, which put the Cyclones up by three. The Wildcats quickly set up for their final play, leading to Love’s miraculous shot from beyond the halfcourt line.
“After he hits the three-quarter court shot, I’m sure he felt great to make the other ones presented early in overtime,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger remarked, alluding to Love's rallies during the extra period.
Love finished the game with 22 points, converting on three pivotal 3-pointers, including his dramatic shot at the end of regulation and two more in the overtime period. Tobe Awaka significantly contributed to the team’s effort, scoring 17 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, marking his fourth double-double of the season.
The game itself was marked by intense play and momentum shifts. Following Iowa State’s early lead of nine points, Arizona responded with 16 consecutive points, reclaiming control before halftime at 34-30. Tamin Lipsey was instrumental for Iowa State, scoring 18 points, but as the match progressed, the Cyclones struggled to maintain their offensive flow.
“You’re just trying to hang in there and give yourself a chance,” Coach Lloyd noted. This strategy paid off as the game wore on, with both teams frequently exchanging leads and battling systematically on both ends of the court.
Arizona's initial offensive hiccups were evident as they missed their opening nine 3-point attempts, but they rallied behind pivotal plays from their bench as KJ Lewis and Carter Bryant added valuable scoring. They were instrumental when it counted, with Bryant hitting key shots to extend the lead during overtime.
After entering overtime tied, Arizona dominated, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive grit. The Wildcats were 4 of 5 from the floor during the extra period and perfect on three attempts from beyond the arc.
Iowa State, on the other hand, faced struggles, shooting only 1 of 6 during overtime and committing costly turnovers. Despite leading for much of the second half, their mistakes allowed Arizona to capitalize on missed opportunities and stretch their lead.
“It was kind of a back-and-forth game,” Lloyd remarked, and the game certainly kept fans on the edge of their seats right until the closing minutes.
Although Iowa State's performance this season has been commendable, this loss serves as a harsh reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball. The Cyclones had previously shown their ability to escape tight spots, but Arizona flipped the script on Monday.
Following the game, the Wildcats celebrated not only their convincing upset but also the role of their fans, who created an electric atmosphere. Coach Lloyd praised the crowd's involvement: “The late-night crowd was awesome. Arizona basketball is special, and they showed up.”
This victory also marks Arizona's first win at home over a top-five opponent as an unranked team since 1979, according to records. This game resonates beyond just one victory, showcasing the potential of Arizona as they look to solidify their identity within the Big 12 hierarchy.
Looking forward, Iowa State will aim to regroup and focus on their next game on Feb. 1, 2025, against Kansas State, as they seek to re-align after this defeat. Meanwhile, Arizona will look to maintain their newfound momentum as they prepare for upcoming challenges, including rivalry matches and top conference opponents.
The Wildcats' victory over Iowa State is sure to remain etched in the minds of players and fans alike, symbolizing both resilience and hope as the season progresses. Love's unforgettable play serves as inspiration for Arizona, reminding everyone of the magic and unexpected turns college basketball can often produce.