The University of Arizona gymnastics team performed at their highest as they hosted their latest meet against the University of Denver on Jan. 31. Arizona would have several season and career-defining performances that would push the Wildcats to success over the Pioneers.
Caleb Love and the University of Arizona men’s basketball team have been rolling as of late, with huge conference success to open their season. Love would headline the Wildcats’ matchup against Iowa State with a half-court heave to send the game to overtime. He would step up again against ASU, keeping the state’s basketball dominance in Tucson.
Team: Gymnastics
The Arizona gymnastics team put together a stellar performance in their Big 12 home opener against the University of Denver, earning them this week’s Team of the Week honor. The GymCats posted a season-high team score of 196.775 to defeat No. 17 Denver, who scored 194.600.
Arizona impressed throughout the meet, earning season-high team scores on bars (49.425) and beam (49.30). Senior Alysen Fears was named Gymnast of the Meet after winning the all-around title with a season-high score of 39.450.
The event winners included Alysen Fears, who recorded an All-Around score of 39.450. Elena Deets and Alysen Fears both impressed on the Uneven Bars, scoring a 9.925 while Fears tied her season high, Deets grabbed a career-high on the Uneven Bars. Sophie Derr and Abigayle Martin would also have a great outing on the Uneven Bars both putting season-highs of 9.875. Finally, Emily Mueller would tie her season high with a 9.825 on the bars.
The Balance Beam brought some success as well with Deets getting a season-high of 9.925. Fear would perform at her highest again as she got a season-high 9.825 on the beam.
Fears would become crucial in the Floor Exercise tying her career-high of 9.900. Fears wouldn’t be alone with her 9.900, as Emma Strom would secure a stellar finish and tie her career-high as well. Elizabeth LaRusso would cap off the Wildcats’ performances with a 9.825 to secure a Wildcat victory.
Player: Caleb Love, men’s basketball
Arizona guard Caleb Love has continued to show his ability to shine in the biggest moments, earning this week’s Player of the Week honor after delivering two clutch performances that led the Wildcats to a pair of critical victories.
Love made headlines on Monday night with one of the most unforgettable shots of the season. As Arizona trailed No. 3 Iowa State by three with just seconds remaining, Love launched a miraculous heave from beyond half-court at the buzzer, tying the game and electrifying the McKale Center crowd. He wasn’t done there—Love went on to hit two corner three-pointers in overtime, finishing with 22 points and securing an 86-75 upset victory over the Cyclones. His heroics marked Arizona’s first home win over a top-five opponent as an unranked team since 1979.
The fifth-year guard carried his momentum into Saturday’s rivalry matchup against Arizona State, leading the Wildcats with 27 points in an 81-72 road victory. Love was a force from deep, knocking down 5-of-9 three-point attempts before being ejected late in the game following an altercation with ASU’s B.J. Freeman. Despite the heated finish, Love’s impact on the game was undeniable, propelling Arizona to its ninth conference win of the season.
Love’s ability to take over in key moments propelled the Wildcats to two big conference wins, which allowed them to remain at the top of the Big 12 standings.
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