Caleb Love brings energy as Arizona dumps Utah

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Caleb Love’s big two-way night gives Arizona Wildcats breathing room in 83-66 win over Utah Utes

During their evolution from a sub-.500 team in mid-December to the Big 12’s second-place team, the Arizona Wildcats have learned to win without guard Caleb Love at his best.

But things are still much easier for them when he is. Especially when Love produces in the two-way manner he did Wednesday in UA’s 83-66 win over Utah at McKale Center.

Love had 23 points while hitting 6 of 11 3-pointers, the most 3s he has made in a game during his two seasons at Arizona, while also playing a key role defensively in limiting Utah’s Gabe Madsen.

The Utes’ leading scorer, Madsen had 10 points while making just 2 of 10 shots he took, all from 3-point range.

“Caleb obviously gives us a higher ceiling,” UA coach Tommy Lloyd said, “and if he plays with that energy and focus at both ends of the floor, we’re a better team. Caleb was a standout tonight and other guys have been standouts on other days.”

As it turned out, Love’s play helped give the Wildcats a much-needed cushion against a determined opponent that was coping with Utah’s decision to fire fourth-year coach Craig Smith on Monday.

The Utes had just 48 hours to process the change, which resulted in assistant coach Josh Eilert taking an interim head coaching role, put together a practice and make the trip from Salt Lake City to Tucson. They had just arrived back from UCF on Sunday night and heard the surprising news the next day.

“They didn’t come here to play for me. They came here play for somebody else,” Eilert said. “The situation they’ve had to deal with last couple days and how they responded is just as ultimate professionals. It just shows what kind of kids are representing this program and I’m really proud of them.”

The unusual in-season firing of Smith even struck Lloyd so much that he said he called Smith before Wednesday’s game.

“It was just one guy calling another guy because he respects him,” Lloyd said. “I…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/caleb-love-brings-energy-arizona-201632899.html

Author : AZCentral | The Arizona Republic

Publish date : 2025-02-27 20:16:00

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