Caleb Love talks mindset for clutch performances in NCAA Tournament

Caleb Love was as cool as the other side of the pillow on Friday. With the heat turned up inside the Wells Fargo Center, the North Carolina star put on a performance that’ll live in Tar Heels history against UCLA.

While his teammates went cold, Love was ready to step up. The North Carolina star scored 30 points against the Bruins, leading the Tar Heels to the Elite Eight.

Afterwards, Love spoke about his mindset for clutch performances, with Friday’s showdown a perfect prelude.

“Well, tonight’s game it was a must win,” stated Love. “A game to get to the Elite Eight. I’m just proud of our guys. My teammates just are wonderful and our coaching staff is the best in the country, so they put us in position to win, and that’s what we did.”

Additionally, Love stated that his confidence level is essential to staying in the zone when the shots are falling.

“Just confidence level. Never lose my confidence level,” stated Love. “Coach Davis and my teammates always tell me that. I feel like that’s the best part of my game is not to lose my confidence level. And when I’m out there, I’m just in a mode, and that’s what that was tonight.”

Caleb Love was certainly in a mode on Friday — an unconscious ability to not feel pressure, and drain clutch shots. Now, the North Carolina star will look to send his team to the Final Four, with the upstart underdog Saint Peter’s in the Tar Heels’ way.

WATCH: Caleb Love has emotional meeting with family following UNC win over UCLA

UNC, the second seed in the East Region, is now onto the Elite Eight after defeating fourth-seeded UCLA 73-66 on Friday night. The Tar Heels were led by a strong performance from sophomore guard Caleb Love, who went for 30 points on 11-for-24 shooting, including 6-for-13 from three-point range. Love also grabbed three rebounds and has four assists, and he played in all 40 minutes for UNC.

After UNC completed the victory to UCLA to advance to the Elite Eight, Love shared an emotional embrace with his family that was in the stands.

"In Philadelphia, Love is in the air." ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3RAJXe3MOo

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 26, 2022

Love has been one of the key parts of UNC’s team this season. On the season, he is averaging 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 33.8 minutes. Love is shooting 37.2% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range. Last season was Love’s first with the Tar heels, and he averaged over ten points per game.

Interestingly, 27 of Love’s 30 points against UCLA on Friday night came in the second half. He came on in a big way during the final 20 minutes of the game, and turned into a key force on UNC’s offense. The key behind Love’s strong second half? A simple wardrobe change at halftime.