Tag: Koa Peat

The Arizona Wildcats’ 2024-25 season came to a bittersweet end last night in a high-octane Sweet 16 showdown against the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils. The final score read 100-93 in favor of Duke, but the game was a testament to Arizona’s resilience, the brilliance of Caleb Love, and the promise of a bright future underscored by the commitment of top recruit Koa Peat earlier in the day. Here’s a deep dive into the night that encapsulated heartbreak, heroism, and hope for Wildcats fans.

A Battle of Titans in Newark
From the opening tip at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical NCAA Tournament game. The No. 4-seeded Wildcats (24-13) faced a Duke squad (34-3) loaded with talent, led by presumptive No. 1 NBA Draft pick Cooper Flagg. The Blue Devils came in riding a 13-game win streak and a reputation as national title favorites, but Arizona refused to back down.

The first half was a rollercoaster. Arizona trailed by as much as nine but clawed back to keep it close, heading into the break down 48-42. Duke’s late flurry—back-to-back 3-pointers, including a buzzer-beater from Flagg—stung, but the Wildcats showed their trademark grit. Then came the second half, where Duke’s athleticism and sharpshooting threatened to turn the game into a rout. The Blue Devils went on a tear, making 13 straight shots at one point and building a 19-point lead (70-51) with 13:12 remaining. For many teams, that would’ve been the end. Not for Arizona.

Fueled by an electric crowd and an unyielding spirit, the Wildcats mounted a furious comeback. They chipped away at the deficit, getting within seven points (78-71) with 7:47 left after an 8-0 run. Duke’s response was clinical—free throws and a dunk off a controversial flagrant foul call on Jaden Bradley—but Arizona’s fight until the final buzzer was a microcosm of their season: imperfect, scrappy, and unforgettable. Duke’s 60% field goal percentage and 11-of-19 performance from beyond the arc proved too much, but Arizona’s 45.5% shooting and 12-of-26 from three showed they could hang with the best.

Caleb Love’s Swan Song: A Performance for the Ages

If this was Caleb Love’s last game in an Arizona uniform—and with his eligibility exhausted, it likely was—he left everything on the court. The fifth-year senior, who transferred from North Carolina and has a storied history against Duke, delivered a masterpiece: 35 points, 11-of-21 from the field, 5-of-9 from three, and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. It was the most points ever scored by a Wildcat in an NCAA Tournament game, surpassing Derrick Williams’ 32 against Duke in 2011.

Love’s second half was pure poetry. After a solid but unspectacular 14 points in the first 20 minutes, he erupted for 21 after the break, including a stretch where he scored 15 straight points to ignite Arizona’s rally. His ability to hit contested threes, drive to the rim, and stay composed under pressure was a reminder of why he’s been a polarizing yet undeniable force in college basketball. Posts on X lit up with praise, with fans and analysts alike marveling at his zero-turnover performance against a No. 1 seed—a feat not accomplished since Michael Finley in 1994.

For a player who’s faced Duke 10 times in his career, including a memorable 28-point outburst in the 2022 Final Four for UNC, Love’s legacy against the Blue Devils is cemented. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd, who’s guided the team to three straight Sweet 16s, called Love “sensational,” noting his potential and growth. While the loss stings, Love’s heroics ensured the Wildcats went out swinging.

Koa Peat Commits: A Beacon of Hope

Amid the sting of defeat, Arizona fans received a massive boost earlier on March 27 when 5-star forward Koa Peat announced his commitment to the Wildcats on “The Pat McAfee Show.” The 6-foot-8 power forward from Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, is ranked No. 9 in the ESPN 100 for the 2025 class and is the highest-rated recruit in Tommy Lloyd’s tenure. Peat’s decision to stay home—he chose Arizona over Arizona State, Baylor, Houston, and Texas—adds a local legend to a burgeoning 2025 class that already includes top-40 prospect Dwayne Aristode and four-star Bryce James (son of LeBron).

Peat’s credentials are jaw-dropping: a three-time gold medalist with USA Basketball, a four-time Arizona state champion, and a double-double machine with college-ready strength and a high basketball IQ. His versatility—able to dominate in the post, rim-run, or space the floor—fits Lloyd’s fast-paced, high-octane system like a glove. With Carter Bryant projected as a top-20 NBA Draft pick and several current players facing eligibility or pro decisions, Peat’s arrival signals a seamless transition into the next era of Wildcats basketball.

“They’re a family; the fans and atmosphere are incredible,” Peat said of Arizona. “I feel blessed to continue my legacy here.” His commitment is a coup for Lloyd, who’s now landed a top-10 national recruit, reinforcing Arizona’s status as a destination program in the Big 12.

Looking Ahead

The 100-93 loss to Duke marks another Sweet 16 exit for Arizona, their third straight under Lloyd, and extends their Elite Eight drought to a decade. Yet, the game was no capitulation—it was a war against a juggernaut, with Caleb Love’s brilliance lighting the way. Add Koa Peat’s commitment, and the narrative shifts from disappointment to anticipation. Arizona may have fallen short this March, but the Wildcats are building something special. The future is bright in Tucson, and the next chapter can’t come soon enough.