NEWARK, N.J. — The anticipation is palpable as a familiar face resurfaces in a high-stakes encounter. Caleb Love, once a thorn in the side of Duke fans during his time at North Carolina, is preparing to take on the Blue Devils once more — this time donning the jersey of Arizona. The two teams are set to clash in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, with Love, now a seasoned player, averaging 16.8 points per game for fourth-seeded Arizona, aiming to derail yet another season for the top-seeded Duke.
In 2022, Love etched his name in Duke’s memory by scoring 22 points to secure a victory in Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. He then hit a crucial 3-pointer with only 25 seconds left in the Final Four, sealing Duke’s fate and transitioning Coach K into retirement. “It’s about imposing my will and showing that St. Louis swagger,” Love remarked, reflecting on his ability to deliver during critical moments.
Over nine career showdowns against Duke, Love holds a modest track record of 5-4. His scoring prowess significantly influences the outcomes: averaging 20.8 points in victories versus 9.8 in losses. Success for Duke (33-3) on Thursday will likely hinge on their ability to contain Arizona’s standout player.
Jon Scheyer, who succeeded Krzyzewski at Duke, commented on Love’s dynamic play: “He’s versatile, a strong shooter, doesn’t shy away from challenges, and poses a considerable threat for our guys on the court.”
Originally hailing from St. Louis, Love committed to North Carolina and spent three seasons there. The year following his significant triumphs over Duke saw the Tar Heels stumble despite starting the season atop the AP poll, eventually missing March Madness. Love, once pivotal, was soon viewed as a player over-reliant on shooting, unable to deliver decisive plays, and negatively impacting team flow.
His transfer journey included an intended stint at Michigan, which was disrupted by admissions issues. However, Arizona’s coach, Tommy Lloyd, welcomed Love during a break in Puerto Vallarta. “My wife had just arrived when Caleb wanted to visit. I flew back to Tucson — it was a fantastic visit, and he committed,” Lloyd reminisced, expressing satisfaction with Love’s integration into the team.
The prospect of a reunion with Duke has lingered since the tournament bracket’s release. After Arizona’s victory over Oregon, Love maintained composure, refraining from any inflammatory remarks when discussing their impending game against Duke: “We’ll be ready when the time comes.” Regarding his restraint, Love added, “I didn’t want to provoke or give them motivation. My focus is on our team’s objective instead.”
Despite ample talent at Duke’s disposal — highlighted by players like freshman Cooper Flagg and others possibly eyeing the NBA draft — they progressed comfortably during the tournament’s first week, overpowering Mount Saint Mary’s and Baylor with significant margins. Of Duke’s 33 victories this season, 28 have been by double digits, with 11 wins featuring a 30-plus point differential.
It comes as little surprise that the Wildcats are marked as 9 1/2-point underdogs for this high-profile Sweet 16 showdown — a notable gap amidst powerhouse programs. However, this hasn’t deterred Love’s spirits as he braces for his 10th confrontation against Duke. “We’re not backing down,” he professed confidently, standing firm on his readiness to challenge.
In a parallel East Regional game on Thursday, Alabama collides with BYU in a duel between two offensively charged squads. Both teams, however, emphasize the importance of defense. The second-seeded Crimson Tide encounters the sixth-seeded Cougars in what promises to be an exhilarating contest highlighted by 3-point shooting and quick transitions.
Alabama’s coach, Nate Oats, described BYU’s dynamic style, asserting they have capitalized on an NBA-inspired offensive approach. “They’ve been the country’s best since February 12,” Oats noted. Meanwhile, Alabama leads national scoring with an impressive 90.8 points per game — a testament to their formidable attack.
Mark Sears, leading both points and assists for Alabama, acknowledged, “It should be an entertaining match, but defense will decide the outcome.” Collectively, the teams excel in scoring versatility, prominently leveraging 3-pointers and efficient layups, and rank among the top 10 in offensive efficiency according to KenPom.
BYU’s Trevin Knell expressed optimism, “I’m eager to showcase solid defense — avoiding a 150-149 scoreboard thriller,” he joked, anticipating the strategic encounter.
These blockbuster matchups are set to captivate fans as some of college basketball’s best face off for a spot in the Elite Eight.