Caleb Love’s Direct Message to Duke Ahead of Sweet 16 Clash
Caleb Love and the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats are advancing to the Sweet 16 after securing a second-round victory over the No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks in the NCAA Tournament.
Love will now face a familiar opponent in the regional semifinals, taking on freshman standout Cooper Flagg and the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils.
Before joining Arizona, Love started his college basketball career at North Carolina in 2020, Duke’s biggest rival.
During his two seasons in Chapel Hill, Love led North Carolina to a 4-1 record against Duke, with the most notable victory coming in the 2022 Final Four, where they defeated the Blue Devils.
After Arizona’s tight win over Oregon, Love was asked about playing his former rival, Duke, in the Sweet 16. He shared his thoughts, showing little concern for the upcoming challenge.
“I’ll just say, we gotta go back and watch film,” Love said. “We got to get ready for them, and we are going to enjoy this win. But, you know, we’ll be ready for them when it’s time. When it’s time. We’ll be ready for them when it’s time.”
In the win, Love scored 29 points on 10-of-18 shooting and 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, marking his second-highest point total of the season. He also added nine rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Earlier this season, Arizona and Duke met on Nov. 22, with the Blue Devils securing a 69-55 win on the road. Love had a tough game, finishing with just eight points.
Love and the Wildcats will have a chance to seek revenge on Duke Thursday at 9:39 p.m. ET in Newark, New Jersey.
