It appeared as though Arizona may have another disastrous March performance and an early exit from the NCAA Tournament after taking an early lead. However, it was evident that the Wildcats had learnt their lesson. Arizona defeated the No. 7-seeded Flyers 78-68 and advanced to the Sweet 16 after adjusting to Dayton’s increased defensive pressure. This was a far better first weekend than the team’s first-round loss the previous season.
With a lead of up to 17 points in the first half, Arizona appeared poised for another lopsided win, while Dayton appeared unprepared. However, the Flyers altered their defensive approach in the last minutes before halftime, applying a full-court press to pressure the Wildcats. It was a brilliant move, as Dayton forced mistakes and closed the first half with a 10-0 run, cutting the score to a single-digit game.
It seemed ripe for Arizona to become the victim of yet another upset. It has recently fallen to Southern California and Oregon due to careless second-half play, while last season’s defeat to No. 15 seed Princeton was largely caused by incompetence in the second half.
With less than 12 minutes remaining, Dayton would tie the game at three points, but the Wildcats countered by making their own adjustments to keep the Flyers from ever coming near. Their defence retaliated with equal vigour as they resumed their pounding of the ball in close proximity to the basket. The rest of the way, Dayton’s offence was unable to create another spark.
The magic that tweaks can work. Guard Caleb Love, who transferred to Arizona after spending three seasons at North Carolina, said, “That’s key.” “Just remaining composed and not freaking out when they start to run.” We have been making improvements throughout the entire season. It’s what we’ve been working on all year, and it’s getting us ready for March Madness.”
Love added that the team’s ability to remain calm when Dayton altered their game plan and discuss strategies for countering the Flyers’ pressure was crucial in preventing the surprise loss. “At halftime, our guys did a great job of simply regrouping. Coach Tommy Lloyd of Arizona stated, “We kind of adjusted our offensive strategy a little bit and just played with better fundamentals overall and handling their pressure.”
Caleb Love ignites Arizona offense
Even though Dayton’s change of pressure got the Flyers back into the game, Lloyd noted he was relieved it happened so early in the game so his team had more than enough time to respond to it. That big early lead was courtesy of Love, who got out to a blazing start by scoring 13 of Arizona’s first 26 points just 12 minutes into the game.
Love would cool off, finishing the game with 19 points as he made only one of his last nine field goal attempts, but there’s no doubt about his play sparking the victory.
“It’s pretty simple. Obviously he’s a great player,” Lloyd said of Love. “I knew today he was going to play good. There’s just no way he wasn’t going to play good on this stage.
“The dude’s a baller, and I have complete trust in him.”
NCAA Tournament experience has already been paying off for the Wildcats. During North Carolina’s 2022 Final Four run, Love averaged 18.8 points and was a major reason why the Tar Heels advanced to the national championship game. The remarkable tournament play has continued this season. In the first round win over Long Beach State, Love had 18 points with a career-high 11 rebounds and five assists.
On Saturday, he had a team-high in points with three rebounds and five assists. His team has made it known the Pac-12 Player of the Year is their best player, and that narrative continued to get pushed after beating Dayton.
“Caleb’s a great player. He can get it going at any time,” said guard Jaden Bradley.
Love isn’t shining away from the spotlight either, admitting he wants to be on the big stage. Good thing for him, the stage will only continue to get bigger with each win this tournament. Arizona got the monkey of its back from the first-round loss last season, but the next thing it has to overcome is getting to the Elite Eight for the first time in Lloyd’s tenure and first time since 2015. The goal is much bigger than that, however, with the Wildcats trying to make the Final Four for the first time in more than 20 years and play on the biggest stage in its home state.
If Love continues to lead this team, the Wildcats will be right where they want to be.
“I’ve dreamed of this as a kid. Watching March Madness, wanting to be on this stage,” Love said. “I think I just kind of rise to the occasion.”
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