Arizona’s shock o’ meter has yet to reach zero.
Sometimes you think you’ve seen the last of the Cats. Sometimes you wonder how they pull things off. Sometimes you just don’t care.
Shocked at times? Sure. Satisfied, hell, yes.
Sunday night in Seattle, Arizona was able to pull one out again, beating Oregon 87-83 to get to its third Sweet 16 in four years under Tommy Lloyd. For some, it’s where Arizona at least belongs. For others, it’s not far enough.
We’ll see what happens on Thursday when Arizona plays Duke for the second time this season with the right to get to the Elite 8, where Arizona hasn’t been since 2015.
Until then, the Wildcats will enjoy the moment of advancing, given it was so difficult once again as it lived on the edge.
Get down big. Recover. Get a comfortable lead. Then hang on.
That should be the title of the 2024-25 season.
Or maybe it should get the rewrite of: So what, now what?
A phrase Tommy Lloyd used on the post-game podium to describe Arizona’s philosophy through the madness of March.
“A steady approach,” he said.
Arizona didn’t get rattled early, despite being down early. Heck, Tommy Lloyd during a TV timeout told the reporter that there was plenty of time left. It just couldn’t get worse.
And it didn’t. Arizona settled in – and took over.
“That says something about this group,” Lloyd said. “I’m tremendously proud of these guys.”
Then took over in a big way behind Tobe Awaka, who was made for the Big 12 and perhaps these moments. He had 14 rebounds and 12 points, getting his double-double in the first half. He was saddled with four fouls late in the second half.
“This dude, he’s a badass,” Lloyd said. “I love him to death.”
Then inconsistent Anthony Dell’Orso became consistent, hitting a baseline shot and a couple of 3-pointers and then four consecutive free throws at game’s end.
“Those free throws were huge, to step into a game where you hadn’t played much down the stretch,” Lloyd said.
And then Mr. Shock O’ Meter himself, Caleb Love, was revved up for yet another big performance when Arizona needed it most. He finished with 29 points with Arizona needing every single one. He went 5 for 7 from beyond the arc and had four assists.
“Caleb was sensational,” Lloyd said. “Caleb has so much potential and he’s so good already. What’s cool is how much better he can get.”
Again, Lloyd said Love was key because he “stayed steady and unemotional. He was the best player on the floor and thankfully he was able to carry us into victory.”
How satisfying was the game for Love?
“Super satisfying,” he said. “Just knowing what this group went through and all the adversity we went though built us for these moments.”
And just like that Arizona went from the puzzle page to the front page – and in a good way. It was Arizona’s biggest comeback in an NCAA tournament when it was down 19-4.
Again, all the elements worked together just in time for the win.
Late into the night, on the CBS Sports Tournament’s Bracket Breakdown analyst Chris Walker said Arizona is the “turnaround team of the year.”
With games still on the table. Duke to be specific.
