History Rewritten: Duke Turns the Tables on Caleb Love and Arizona with a Legendary Buzzer-Beater
The 2026 NCAA Championship game was more than just a battle for a trophy—it was a story of redemption, rivalry, and a dramatic ending that would be remembered for generations. The Duke Blue Devils and the Arizona Wildcats clashed in an epic showdown, but all eyes were on one player: Caleb Love.
The Rivalry Reignited
For Duke fans, the sight of Caleb Love in an NCAA final brought back painful memories. Just four years prior, Love had delivered a dagger three-pointer in the Final Four while playing for North Carolina, eliminating Duke and sending their bitter rivals to the championship game. Now, wearing Arizona’s colors, he was once again standing between Duke and glory.
Across from him was Jalen Rivers, Duke’s electrifying freshman guard who had taken college basketball by storm. Skilled, fearless, and determined, Rivers understood the weight of the moment. For Duke, this was more than a championship—it was a chance to erase the heartbreak of 2022 and finally flip the script on Caleb Love.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
The Wildcats came out firing. Love wasted no time showcasing his offensive brilliance, hitting deep threes and weaving through defenders. Arizona dominated the first half, taking a commanding 12-point lead into halftime.
In the Duke locker room, head coach Jon Scheyer kept the message simple: “They’ve got Caleb Love. We’ve got heart. Let’s prove it.”
Duke responded with fury. Rivers exploded out of the break, attacking the rim, draining mid-range jumpers, and finding open teammates. Kofi Johnson, Duke’s powerful center, controlled the paint, blocking shots and finishing lobs with authority. The deficit began to shrink, and with just under five minutes left, the Blue Devils had cut Arizona’s lead to two.
The Final Moments
With 12 seconds left, Arizona led 75-74. Love had the ball at the top of the key, the game in his hands. Every Duke fan in the arena held their breath.
Love dribbled slowly, sizing up Rivers. Then, just as he had done years before, he pulled up for a deep three-pointer. But this time, Rivers was ready. He leaped at the perfect moment, getting just enough of the ball to alter its path. The shot fell short.
Duke secured the rebound and immediately called timeout. Five seconds remained. One shot to change history.
Inbounding from half-court, Rivers caught the pass and sprinted down the floor. Arizona’s defenders swarmed him, expecting him to take the final shot. But with one second left, he made the unselfish play, kicking the ball to senior captain Malik Sanders in the corner.
Sanders, wide open, squared up and released the shot just before the buzzer.
Swish.
Duke 77, Arizona 75.
A Storybook Ending
The stadium erupted. The Blue Devils stormed the court in celebration, while Love stood frozen, hands on his head, in disbelief. The player who had once crushed Duke’s dreams was now on the receiving end of a heartbreaking defeat.
As the confetti fell, Rivers embraced Coach Scheyer. “We did it,” he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
For Duke, this victory wasn’t just about a championship. It was about rewriting history, flipping the script, and proving that heartbreak could be turned into triumph.
And in the annals of March Madness, this game would forever be remembered as the night Duke finally got their revenge.