UNC Basketball: It was a Caleb LOVE-FEST in the second half!

Behind a stellar performance in the second half from Caleb Love, the UNC basketball program defeated UCLA to advance to the Elite 8! 

“I’M HIM!”

That’s what Caleb Love was heard saying as he completely dominated the second half of play for the UNC basketball program. The sophomore’s offensive showcase helped the Tar Heels prevail to another NCAA Tournament, this one against No. 4 seed UCLA.

Although Love was the story over the final 20 minutes of play, the first half was not as friendly for him or the Tar Heels.

Love made just one of his first eight shots, as he, along with most of his teammates, struggled from the floor. Fortunately, even with their first-half offensive struggles, North Carolina only trailed by three heading into the locker room.

During halftime, Love made an adjustment, as he switched his sneakers. Changing from his black pair of Jordans to his Carolina blue ones, it was a completely different version of Caleb Love when the Tar Heels took the court for the final half of play.

The St. Louis, Missouri native was on FIRE, as he scored 27 points over the final 20 minutes. His 30 total points is a new career-high, passing his 25-point effort against Duke back on February 6, 2021.

At times, it felt as if UCLA was gaining momentum to pull away. However, Love continued to drive to the basket, making difficult (yet impressive) contested layups to build some momentum for the boys in Carolina Blue.

And then, let’s not forget his three-point shooting.

Love knocked down six total triples, as he showed off his impressive range in some clutch moments.

Prior to this NCAA Tournament, Marcus Paige was the only UNC basketball player to register a 20-point second-half in a March Madness contest since 2012. In the span of just three tournament games in 2022, Caleb Love already has two such performances.

To add to that, Love’s 27 second-half points were the most that a Tar Heel has produced since Luke Maye put up 27 points against N.C. State back in 2018.

Needless to say, this game not only will be remembered as one of Caleb Love’s finest moments as a Tar Heel but is also visual proof that this young man will be playing in the NBA at some point in the near future.

North Carolina does not win this game without Love’s huge second half. With Brady Manek struggling and Armando Bacot definitely being impacted by a back injury, Love was able to carry the load when his team needed him the most.

The UNC basketball program “survived and advanced,” while Caleb Love showed the basketball world that he belongs at the next level.

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