The University of Arizona men’s basketball team defeated the No. 3 Iowa State University 86-75 in overtime in a sold out crowd in McKale Center on Monday, Jan. 27 at 8:30 p.m.

Caleb Love drained a shot from beyond midcourt in the final seconds of regulation, forcing an overtime period where the Wildcats went on to win by 11 points. Love led the team in scoring with 22 points and was 1-for-10 from beyond the arc up until the game-tying shot.

Tobe Awaka continues to impress as a defensive anchor; the 6-foot-8 forward recorded a double-double consisting of 17 points and 12 rebounds. Notably, Awaka shot a perfect 6-for-6 from the field.  

First half 

Both teams came out strong in early minutes of the game. Love, a fifth-year guard, had several shot attempts that failed to fall, but he eventually scored the first points of the game for Arizona in the second minute of play. 

Iowa State stayed in the lead throughout the first half with Arizona close on its heels. The Cyclones collected multiple fouls early in the first half, allowing Arizona to gain more possessions. Jaden Bradley, a junior guard, worked the ball up the court and was able to drive the hoop, bringing the score within three points with Arizona trailing 8-11. 

Halfway through the first half, Trey Townsend, a fifth-year transfer from Oakland University, scored his 2000th career-point. Townsend went on to put up 7 points for the Wildcats. 

Arizona Head coach Tommy Lloyd used his subs as Arizona earned fouls, attempting to find a lineup that helped the Wildcats maintain control. Awaka, the junior forward, found success underneath the hoop and brought down multiple boards for the Wildcats as well as contributing offensively. 

“Coach [Lloyd] kind of preaches to be greedy with the rebounds and, you know, that was pretty evident today. It’s just the testament of just sort of how we work and what it takes to win this game today,” Awaka said post-game.

As the opening period progressed, Arizona’s outside shots remained hesitant to fall. However, the Wildcats were able to find their way to navigate and penetrate the Cyclones’ defense, striving to overcome Iowa State’s lead. 

Fortunately for Iowa State, the Cyclones’ shots behind the line continuously held Arizona accountable defensively. However, Bradley responded with a 3-pointer of his own, narrowing the gap to 25-21 and energizing McKale. 

With three minutes remaining in the first half, freshman forward Carter Bryant drained a shot from beyond the arc, making it a one-possession game. KJ Lewis, a sophomore guard, followed up with a defensive steal and a layup, drawing a foul. 

“KJ [Lewis], that dude is a bad boy defensively. He’s everywhere,” Lloyd said post-game. 

After making his free throw, Bryant sank another 3-pointer, putting Arizona in the lead for the first time of the game at 30-25. 

With a minute remaining in the first period, Love soared from near the free throw line to slam a dunk, earning an huge reaction from the crowd. Following a defensive stop, the Wildcats drove to the hoop and Bradley snuck in another lay-up for Arizona. 

As the period came to an end, Iowa State hit a 3-pointer of its own, setting the score at 34-30 with Arizona leading heading into halftime. 

Second half

Both programs came into the second half with high energy, spurred on by the close first-half score. Iowa State took the lead early in the second half after multiple made layups. In response, Awaka continued to be a force, dominating both offensive and defensive boards.

“What’s funny, of those rebounds, a lot of times the guys are getting knocked down and you know who’s knocking them down? It’s Tobe [Awaka]. The dude’s a beast,” Lloyd said. 

For the next few minutes of the half, the score bounced back-and-forth as both teams found success off of steals and easy lay-ins. Love continued to put his defensive efforts forth, resulting in his two steals and 22 points. Notably, Bradley pushed the ball down the court, finding openings and backdoor opportunities. 

Iowa reacted to Arizona’s success with a short run of its own, weaving in and out of the lead. Tamin Lipsey proved himself dangerous as he put up 18 points for the Cyclones. 

Bryant continued to make valuable efforts for Arizona, putting away 4-of-5 shots from beyond the arc and finishing the night with 14 points. He also served as an asset defensively, blocking two shots and grabbing three boards.

“Carter [Bryant] had, you know, he’s had some better moments, but he had a real Arizona moment today,” said Lloyd. 

Despite Bryant’s success from the 3-point line, he accumulated several fouls leading to his substitution. In his place, Townsend returned to the court, contributing defensively and securing several possessions for Arizona. 

As the game headed into its final minutes, both teams scrapped for points to take the lead. The two programs stayed close, showing no clear indication of how the game would end. 

In the final two seconds of the game, with Arizona trailing and in possession, the ball fell into Love’s hands. He threw it up from half-court, sinking the shot and tying the game. 

“Holy sh** […].” Lloyd said in response to Love’s buzzer beater, “He let it go and it’s on-line and that’s all you can do; on-line and don’t leave it short and when it went in it was pretty amazing.” 

Overtime

Coming off of an intense high after Love’s buzzerbeater, Arizona dominated the overtime period. Love’s hands stayed hot as he sank two 3-pointers, putting Arizona firmly into the lead. 

Love gave tribute to the crowd of the evening: “They showed up and showed out tonight. The best out there that they’ve had since I’ve been here. […] We give credit to them and it was a great atmosphere.”

Bryant contributed a 3-pointer of his own as well, putting Arizona in a comfortable position against Iowa State. As the game came to a close, Arizona players and fans began to celebrate the victory against the No. 3-ranked Cyclones. 

The game ended in Arizona’s hand, 86-75. 

“We got a position now where we kind of control our destiny in [the] Big 12,” Love said. 

Looking ahead

Arizona men’s basketball aims to maintain their momentum after the Wildcats secured their third-straight win, preparing to face rival ASU on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. in Desert Financial Arena in Tempe.

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