Caleb Love Lifts Arizona Over No. 3 Iowa State in OT with Stunning Half-Court Buzzer-Beater

Caleb Love Lifts Arizona Over No. 3 Iowa State in OT with Stunning Half-Court Buzzer-Beater

In a thrilling and dramatic finish, Caleb Love’s remarkable half-court buzzer-beater helped Arizona secure an 86-75 upset win over No. 3 Iowa State at the McKale Memorial Center. Love’s wild desperation shot sent the game into overtime, and his clutch performance in the extra period powered the Wildcats to victory.

Love’s Buzzer-Beater Forces Overtime

As the clock ticked down with Iowa State leading, Arizona’s Caleb Love refused to let his team’s hopes slip away. With just 2.2 seconds left, Love received an inbounds pass, sprinted up the court, and launched an incredible shot from well beyond the half-court line. The ball sailed through the air, landing perfectly as time expired, sending the game into overtime and shocking the McKale Memorial Center crowd.

Clutch Shooting in Overtime Seals the Win

Love wasn’t done. In overtime, he hit back-to-back 3-pointers, sparking a 15-4 run for Arizona. These crucial shots, combined with Love’s overall 22-point performance, helped the Wildcats pull away in the extra period. The win marked Arizona’s biggest victory of the season, moving them to 14-6 overall and 8-1 in Big 12 play.

Iowa State’s Strong Effort Falls Short

Iowa State, which had pushed ahead late in regulation, seemed poised for the win. Tamin Lipsey led the Cyclones with 18 points, including 14 in the first half, while Keshon Gilbert added 17 points. Despite their late-game surge, Iowa State couldn’t hold on after Love’s dramatic buzzer-beater. This loss, their second in the last four games, dropped them to 17-3 and left them a game behind No. 6 Houston in the Big 12 standings.

Arizona’s Strong Comeback After Early Struggles

This victory also marks a significant recovery for Arizona, which struggled early in the season, losing five of its first nine games. Since then, the Wildcats have found their rhythm and now sit just half a game behind Houston in the conference standings. In addition to Love’s heroics, Tobe Awaka contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Carter Bryant and KJ Lewis each added 14 points off the bench.

Next Steps for Both Teams

Arizona will look to continue their strong Big 12 campaign after this massive upset, while Iowa State aims to bounce back with upcoming matchups against Kansas State and No. 11 Kansas.

For Arizona, it’s clear: Caleb Love’s clutch performances are propelling them back into contention, and after a rollercoaster start to the season, the Wildcats are proving they’re a force to be reckoned with.