In an intense showdown in Tempe, Arizona's Caleb Love emerged as the hero with a stellar 27-point performance, leading the Wildcats to an 81-72 victory over fierce rivals Arizona State. This win marks another highlight in Arizona’s impressive season, following their stunning victory against Iowa State.
Caleb Love, who recently made headlines with a memorable half-court shot to tie a game against Iowa State, continued his remarkable form by hitting five out of nine attempts from beyond the arc. The game concluded on a tense note as Love was ejected alongside Arizona State's B.J. Freeman due to a heated exchange beneath the basket.
Jaden Bradley significantly contributed to Arizona's success with 14 points, while Carter Bryant demonstrated all-round excellence, adding eight points, ten rebounds, four steals, and three blocks to the Wildcats’ performance. Arizona's precision from the free-throw line, netting 21 of 22 attempts, played a pivotal role in their victory.
Despite a strong start in the second half, Arizona State struggled to maintain momentum. The team's shooting accuracy dwindled, culminating in a 38% shooting percentage overall. However, B.J. Freeman and Adam Miller ensured a competitive spirit throughout, scoring 19 and 16 points respectively.
The first half was characterized by its erratic pace, with frequent stoppages disrupting offensive rhythm. This led to a combined 19 fouls called in the opening half, contributing to both teams' difficulties in finding a scoring groove. Arizona State struggled with their shot, securing just 11 out of 36 attempts, including four from three-point range.
The second half brought a change in tempo. Arizona State initially launched a successful offensive surge, converting five of their first seven attempts to establish a five-point lead. However, Arizona retaliated vigorously, fueled by Love's back-to-back three-pointers, initiating a critical 12-2 run that shifted the game's momentum.
As the game progressed, Arizona locked down defensively, limiting the Sun Devils to a mere one for eight in a critical stretch. This defensive mastery allowed Arizona to extend their advantage to a 76-69 lead with just over two minutes remaining, effectively securing the win.
Looking ahead, Arizona is set to face off against BYU, while Arizona State prepares for a clash with Kansas State, both scheduled for Tuesday.