In a crucial Pac-12 showdown on Saturday, No. 9 Arizona reclaimed the top spot in the conference with a decisive 87-78 victory against Oregon, led by an outstanding performance from Caleb Love. This triumph came on the heels of a road loss to Oregon State, showcasing the Wildcats’ resilience as they secured their first win in Eugene, Oregon, since 2015.
Caleb Love, a North Carolina transfer, had a standout game, pouring in a career-high 36 points on an efficient 12-of-18 shooting. Love, alongside backcourt partner Kylan Boswell, who contributed 14 points, played a pivotal role in steering the Wildcats to victory. Notably, Boswell’s scoring surge marked a significant improvement after a quieter stretch in his previous four games.
The Wildcats’ win in Eugene broke a nine-game losing streak at Oregon, marking a statement victory for Arizona. Coach Tommy Lloyd’s team has demonstrated remarkable consistency, avoiding consecutive losses and maintaining an unblemished 16-0 record when coming off a defeat.
Oregon, previously undefeated at home with a 10-0 record at Matthew Knight Arena, suffered their first home loss of the season at the hands of Arizona. The Ducks, now tied with the Wildcats for first place in the Pac-12 standings, have encountered challenges in their recent games, dropping three of the last four contests against Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.
Despite the setback, Oregon’s Jermaine Couisnard led the team with 20 points, and big man N’Faly Dante contributed 19, showcasing his return to a regular workload after overcoming a 14-game absence due to injury.
The standout performance of Caleb Love underscores the potential impact he could have as a key player for Arizona. The Wildcats’ season has seen fluctuations, with dominating victories and unexpected losses to unranked opponents. Love’s ability to provide a spark makes him a crucial asset, and the Wildcats aim to find consistency as they eye a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, with Love at the forefront.
On the flip side, Oregon’s NCAA Tournament aspirations took a hit with the loss to Arizona. The Ducks, currently projected as a No. 11 seed in CBS Sports’ Bracketology, now stand at 1-4 against Quad 1 opponents. The team faces the challenge of finishing the season strong to secure a spot in the tournament, especially considering the competitive landscape of the Pac-12. While Arizona appears to be a solid contender, other teams like Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and Washington State must capitalize on opportunities and conclude the conference play strongly to enhance their postseason prospects.
