Caleb Love Leads Arizona to Big 12 Final Against Houston

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The No. 3 University of Arizona men’s basketball team advanced to the Phillips Big 12 Championship game by defeating No. 2 Texas Tech, 86-80, Friday night at T-Mobile Center. The Wildcats, now 22-11, will face top-seeded Houston, which defeated No. 4 BYU, on Saturday at 5 p.m. CT.

Caleb Love was a standout performer for Arizona in the semifinal, scoring 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 5-for-8 from three-point range. His impressive play was crucial as the Wildcats overcame Texas Tech despite a tight contest that saw the Red Raiders rally in the second half.

“I started off hot, but I just wanted to give that spark to my team,” Love said. “As the game was flowing, KJ chipped in, big numbers from Trey, and it went on from there.” KJ Lewis added 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, showcasing his own ability to perform under pressure.

Arizona’s victory comes in stark contrast to their recent challenges in the Big 12, having lost five of their last seven regular-season games. Coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledged the importance of momentum as they prepare for the championship game against Houston. “Definitely having a couple of wins under our belt helps,” Lewis said.

The matchup against Houston, the No. 1 team in the conference, represents a significant challenge for Arizona. The Cougars have been dominant throughout the season, finishing with a 30-4 record and claiming the Big 12 regular-season title. Arizona has had recent history with Houston, having lost to them earlier this season and in the Sweet 16 of the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson has led his team to success, having been named a national coach of the year multiple times. Players like L.J. Cryer and Emanuel Sharp have been significant contributors, with Cryer averaging 15.4 points per game this season. In their semifinal victory, Sharp scored 26 points against BYU.

Despite injuries affecting both teams, Arizona managed to find a rhythm against Texas Tech. The Wildcats shot 50% from the field and limited the Red Raiders to just 42% shooting. Arizona’s defense kept Texas Tech at bay, forcing them to miss crucial shots in key moments of the game.

“It was a tough year. A tough conference. And for us to compete with the best of the best, you know, as far as conferences, I’m proud of my guys,” Love said, reflecting on the journey to the championship game.

As both teams prepare for the final, the stakes are high for Arizona. A win could significantly bolster their position in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. For Coach Lloyd and the Wildcats, it’s an opportunity to build on their recent momentum and challenge one of the nation’s top teams.

The Phillips Big 12 Championship game promises to be a thrilling matchup with both teams aiming for victory. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, allowing fans to witness the culmination of the tournament.