Arizona vs Iowa State: A Thrilling Encounter
On January 27, 2025, the basketball court at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, witnessed an electrifying showdown between the Arizona Wildcats and the Iowa State Cyclones
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. The game, which ended in an 86-75 victory for Arizona in overtime, was filled with drama, tension, and unforgettable moments
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.
The Build-Up
The Wildcats entered the game with a record of 14-6, while the Cyclones were undefeated at 17-0 and ranked No
1
. 3 in the nation
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. The stage was set for a clash between an unranked Arizona team looking to prove themselves and a dominant Iowa State squad aiming to maintain their perfect record
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.
The Game Unfolds
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with Iowa State leading by as many as seven points
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. However, Arizona responded with a 16-0 run to take a 34-25 lead, only for Iowa State to claw back and make it 34-30 at halftime
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. The second half saw both teams trading blows, with neither able to pull away significantly
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.
The Climactic Moments
As regulation time wound down, the game was tied at 71-71
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. With just 2.2 seconds left on the clock, Arizona guard Caleb Love launched a desperation shot from beyond half-court
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. The ball swished through the net, sending the McKale Center crowd into a frenzy and sending the game into overtime
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.
In overtime, Love continued his heroics, hitting two more 3-pointers and finishing with 22 points
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. Freshman Carter Bryant added another 3-pointer, sealing the victory for Arizona
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. The Wildcats’ defense also stepped up, holding Iowa State to just 1 of 6 shooting and forcing three turnovers in the extra period
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.
Key Performances
Caleb Love’s performance was the highlight of the game
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. Despite struggling with his shot throughout the game, he delivered when it mattered most
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. His 60-foot buzzer-beater and subsequent 3-pointers in overtime were the defining moments of the contest
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.
On the Iowa State side, Tamin Lipsey led the team with 18 points, while Keshon Gilbert added 17 points
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. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Arizona’s resilience and Love’s heroics
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.
Aftermath
The win was a significant boost for Arizona, improving their record to 8-1 in conference play and showcasing their potential as a formidable team
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. For Iowa State, the loss dropped them to No
3
. 5 in the rankings, but it also highlighted their ability to compete at a high level
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.
Conclusion
The Arizona vs Iowa State game was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of college basketball
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. Caleb Love’s incredible shot and the Wildcats’ gritty performance will be remembered as one of the most memorable games of the season
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.
For more details, you can watch the highlights here.
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The Associated Press – Sports | MSN
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Sports Illustrated
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www.cbssports.com