Full Breakdown
Jaden Bradley's Buzzer-Beater Sends Arizona to Big 12 Championship
3/14/2026, 10:18:58 PM
Thrilling Semifinal Victory
In a dramatic semifinal matchup of the Big 12 Tournament, Jaden Bradley of the Arizona Wildcats hit a buzzer-beater to secure an 82-80 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones on March 13, 2026, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The win propelled Arizona, the top seed in the tournament, into the championship game against the winner of the Houston vs. Kansas matchup.
Game Highlights
The game was characterized by intense back-and-forth action, particularly in the final minutes. Iowa State's Tamin Lipsey tied the game at 80 with a three-pointer with just 15 seconds remaining. Rather than calling a timeout, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd allowed Bradley to orchestrate the final play. Bradley drove to the right and executed a fallaway jumper that swished through the net as time expired, marking a pivotal moment in his career as the Big 12 Player of the Year.
Bradley finished the game with 15 points, seven assists, and no turnovers. His teammate, Anthony Dell'Orso, led the Wildcats with 26 points, including six three-pointers. Ivan Kharchenkov contributed 17 points, while Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic scored 28 points, hitting eight three-pointers during the contest.
Momentum Shifts
The game began with Iowa State establishing a quick 14-2 lead, but Arizona responded with a series of runs to regain control. The Wildcats trailed 43-37 at halftime after Momcilovic's late three-pointer. In the second half, Arizona managed to take a brief lead before the teams exchanged leads multiple times, showcasing the competitive nature of both squads.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Tommy Lloyd praised Bradley's performance, emphasizing the importance of "figuring it out" in high-pressure situations. He noted, "When they do that... we're our best version of ourselves." Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger expressed no regrets about not calling a timeout before the final play, stating, "Killyan guarded Bradley as perfectly as you could guard him."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, some analysts questioned Bradley's selection as Big 12 Player of the Year, citing his status as the third-leading scorer on his team. However, his clutch performance in critical moments has reinforced his value to the Wildcats.
What's Next
With this victory, Arizona improved to 31-2 overall and will face the fifth-seeded Houston Cougars in the Big 12 Championship game on March 14, 2026. The Wildcats are poised to secure a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, further solidifying their status as a national contender.
Verbatim Quotes
- “JB's one of a kind. He's put in the work like I've seen everyone else do on the team. We have the ultimate confidence in him. He won Big 12 Player of the Year for a reason,” — Anthony Dell'Orso, Arizona Teammate
- “It was a crazy two minutes, a lot of shot-making, crazy plays,” — Jaden Bradley, Arizona Player
- “It was a great game, an epic battle," Lloyd said.” — Tommy Lloyd, Arizona Coach
This thrilling semifinal not only showcased the talents of Jaden Bradley and his teammates but also highlighted the competitive spirit of the Big 12 Conference as they head into the championship game.
