In a thrilling NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup, the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils triumphed over the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats, edging them out 100-93 at Prudential Arena in Newark, New Jersey. This victory not only propelled Duke into the Elite Eight but also marked the end of an illustrious college career for Arizona's Caleb Love.
Caleb Love, who has become a fan favorite during his time in college basketball, showcased his skills in what would be his final game, scoring a game-high 35 points on 11-of-21 shooting. He also contributed four rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Love's performance was a testament to his talent and determination, but it ultimately fell short against a formidable Duke squad.
Arizona's journey to the Sweet 16 was impressive, as they defeated No. 13 seed Akron by nearly 30 points in the first round and squeaked past No. 5 seed Oregon in the round of 32. However, facing Duke, a team they had previously lost to in a regular-season matchup, proved to be a different challenge.
In their earlier encounter last November, Duke had bested Arizona 69-55 in Tucson. This rematch was highly anticipated, with both teams eager to prove themselves on the national stage. Duke, with a record of 34-3, was looking to secure its second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight, while Arizona aimed to reach this stage for the first time since 2015.
Despite the loss, Caleb Love leaves behind an impressive legacy. Over his five-year college career, he accumulated a total of 2,762 points, placing him 25th on the NCAA's all-time scoring list. He surpassed former Marquette star Markus Howard, who finished with 2,761 points, and ended his career with 37 more points than his former North Carolina teammate, RJ Davis, who scored 2,725 points.
Love’s journey began at North Carolina, where he played three seasons from 2020 to 2023. He was instrumental in leading the Tar Heels to a victory over Duke in the 2022 Final Four, solidifying his place in college basketball history. After transferring to Arizona for his final two years of eligibility, he faced Duke twice, ending with a 5-5 record against them throughout his college career.
Following the game, NCAA March Madness paid tribute to Love on social media, stating, "A truly special career. Thank you, Caleb Love." This acknowledgment reflects the impact he made during his time in college basketball.
In addition to Love's standout performance, Arizona also saw contributions from teammates Jaden Bradley and Henri Veesaar, who scored 12 and 13 points, respectively. However, it was not enough to overcome the offensive prowess of Duke.
Duke was led by the talented Cooper Flagg, who recorded 30 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. His all-around performance was key to Duke's success, as they demonstrated their ability to execute under pressure.
Looking ahead, Duke will face No. 2 seed Alabama in the Elite Eight, a team that recently set a record with 25 three-pointers in a single game, defeating BYU 113-88 earlier on the same day. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles, as both teams are vying for a coveted spot in the Final Four.
As the NCAA Tournament continues, the stakes are higher than ever. For Arizona, the loss marks the end of a season filled with promise and potential, while for Duke, the journey is far from over. The Blue Devils will look to capitalize on their momentum as they aim for another national title.
In conclusion, Caleb Love's career may have ended, but his legacy within college basketball will endure. With a remarkable scoring record and unforgettable moments, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. As the tournament progresses, fans will undoubtedly remember the thrilling performances and fierce competition that have defined this year's NCAA Tournament.
