Caleb Love’s Miracle Shot Sparks Arizona’s Upset Victory Over Iowa State

The McKale Memorial Center erupted on Monday night as Caleb Love, the Arizona Wildcats’ star guard, delivered a performance for the ages, leading his team to a thrilling 86-75 overtime victory against the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones. Love’s heroics included a pair of clutch three-pointers in overtime and a jaw-dropping buzzer-beater from beyond half-court that forced the extra period, leaving the Cyclones stunned and the Wildcats faithful in raptures.

The game unfolded as a tense and closely contested battle. Iowa State, who had been on a tear for much of the season, looked poised to secure another win and solidify their position at the top of the Big 12 conference standings. They held a late lead, seemingly in control of the game. With just 2.2 seconds remaining on the clock, and after two successful free throws, Iowa State appeared to have sealed the victory. But Love and the Wildcats had other plans.

The inbounds pass found Love’s hands, and with a desperation heave, he launched the ball from well beyond the half-court line. The shot, a prayer at best, sailed through the air and, incredibly, found the bottom of the net. The arena exploded. Love’s miraculous buzzer-beater not only tied the game but also injected a surge of momentum into his team, while seemingly deflating the Cyclones.

“You’re just trying to hang in there and give yourself a chance,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd commented after the game. He acknowledged the improbable nature of the shot, adding, “A desperation three is probably not the chance you’re trying to give yourself, but it made for great theater… It was a great moment for Arizona basketball, and we’re gonna celebrate that. Our guys deserve it, it hasn’t been an easy year but we’re trending in the right direction.”

Love’s heroics didn’t end with the buzzer-beater. Carrying the momentum from his incredible shot, he hit two consecutive three-pointers in overtime, fueling a 15-4 run that ultimately sealed the victory for Arizona. The Wildcats capitalized on the momentum shift, securing a crucial 11-point win, their biggest of the season so far.

Iowa State, who had previously enjoyed a 12-game winning streak and risen to as high as No. 2 in the national rankings, have now suffered two losses in their last four games. This defeat is a significant setback for their conference title aspirations. Tamin Lipsey led the Cyclones with 18 points, with 14 of those coming in the first half. Keshon Gilbert contributed 17 points, and Dishon Jackson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Cyclones will look to rebound from this loss as they prepare to host Kansas State and then travel to face No. 11 Kansas.

For Love, the transfer from North Carolina, this game was a defining moment in his Arizona career. He entered the game averaging 15.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Despite a relatively inefficient shooting night (4-of-14 from beyond the arc), he finished with 22 points, demonstrating his ability to come through when it matters most. Tobe Awaka also played a crucial role in the win, contributing 17 points and 12 rebounds. Carter Bryant and KJ Lewis provided valuable scoring off the bench, each adding 14 points.

 
The win marks a significant turnaround for Arizona, who had struggled earlier in the season, losing five of their first nine games. Their resurgence in Big 12 play is undeniable, and they now sit just half a game behind the conference leader, Houston. This victory, fueled by Love’s extraordinary performance, signals that Arizona is back on track and a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.“You’re just trying to hang in there and give yourself a chance,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd commented after the game. He acknowledged the improbable nature of the shot, adding, “A desperation three is probably not the chance you’re trying to give yourself, but it made for great theater… It was a great moment for Arizona basketball, and we’re gonna celebrate that. Our guys deserve it, it hasn’t been an easy year but we’re trending in the right direction.”

Love’s heroics didn’t end with the buzzer-beater. Carrying the momentum from his incredible shot, he hit two consecutive three-pointers in overtime, fueling a 15-4 run that ultimately sealed the victory for Arizona. The Wildcats capitalized on the momentum shift, securing a crucial 11-point win, their biggest of the season so far.

Iowa State, who had previously enjoyed a 12-game winning streak and risen to as high as No. 2 in the national rankings, have now suffered two losses in their last four games. This defeat is a significant setback for their conference title aspirations. Tamin Lipsey led the Cyclones with 18 points, with 14 of those coming in the first half. Keshon Gilbert contributed 17 points, and Dishon Jackson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Cyclones will look to rebound from this loss as they prepare to host Kansas State and then travel to face No. 11 Kansas.

For Love, the transfer from North Carolina, this game was a defining moment in his Arizona career. He entered the game averaging 15.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Despite a relatively inefficient shooting night (4-of-14 from beyond the arc), he finished with 22 points, demonstrating his ability to come through when it matters most. Tobe Awaka also played a crucial role in the win, contributing 17 points and 12 rebounds. Carter Bryant and KJ Lewis provided valuable scoring off the bench, each adding 14 points.

The win marks a significant turnaround for Arizona, who had struggled earlier in the season, losing five of their first nine games. Their resurgence in Big 12 play is undeniable, and they now sit just half a game behind the conference leader, Houston. This victory, fueled by Love’s extraordinary performance, signals that Arizona is back on track and a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.

While the win was dramatic and exciting, it underscores the unpredictable nature of college basketball. Iowa State’s dominant run earlier in the season had positioned them as a national powerhouse, but their recent struggles highlight the challenges of maintaining consistency throughout a long season. For Arizona, this win provides a much-needed boost of confidence and reinforces their belief that they can compete with the best teams in the country. They’ve demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from early-season adversity to become a serious contender in the Big 12. The memory of Caleb Love’s miracle shot will undoubtedly fuel their drive as they continue their pursuit of a conference championship and a deep run in the national tournament.