Full Breakdown
Jaden Bradley's Buzzer-Beater Sends Arizona to Big 12 Championship
3/15/2026, 12:06:51 AM
Arizona's Dramatic Victory Over Iowa State
In a thrilling semifinal matchup of the Big 12 Tournament, the second-ranked Arizona Wildcats defeated the seventh-ranked Iowa State Cyclones 82-80, thanks to a buzzer-beating jumper by Jaden Bradley. The game, held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, showcased high-level basketball, with both teams exchanging leads and clutch shots throughout the contest.
Arizona, now with a record of 31-2, faced a challenging start as Iowa State jumped to an early 14-2 lead. However, the Wildcats rallied back, with Anthony Dell'Orso scoring a career-high 26 points, including six three-pointers. Ivan Kharchenkov contributed 17 points, while Bradley finished with 15 points and seven assists. The Wildcats overcame a 43-37 halftime deficit, outscoring the Cyclones 45-37 in the second half.
Key Moments and Performances
The game reached its climax in the final seconds. After Tamin Lipsey of Iowa State tied the game with a three-pointer with 15.2 seconds remaining, Arizona opted not to call a timeout. Instead, Bradley took control, dribbling up the court and executing a fadeaway jumper over Iowa State's Killyan Toure as time expired. "It was a crazy shot," Bradley remarked postgame. "It was great defense. Just had it going."
Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic led all scorers with 28 points, hitting eight three-pointers, while Joshua Jefferson added 21 points. Despite their strong performances, the Cyclones were unable to secure the win, with coach T.J. Otzelberger acknowledging the competitiveness of the game. "We have tremendous belief in the guys in our locker room," he stated. "Just like they're a Final Four contender, so are we."
Coaching Strategies and Game Dynamics
Arizona's head coach, Tommy Lloyd, chose not to call a timeout during the final possession, trusting his players to execute. "We practice a lot of figure-it-out situations," Lloyd explained. This decision allowed Bradley to create his own shot, a strategy that paid off in the high-pressure moment.
The game was characterized by intense back-and-forth scoring, with both teams combining to make 11 of their final 13 shots, including seven three-pointers. The atmosphere in the arena, with a record crowd of 19,450, added to the excitement, reminiscent of a Final Four matchup.
Looking Ahead: The Championship Game
With this victory, Arizona advances to the Big 12 Championship game, where they will face the Houston Cougars, who defeated Kansas 69-47 in the other semifinal. This rematch is particularly significant, as Houston bested Arizona in last year's championship game. "We put ourselves in position to win a championship," Lloyd emphasized, highlighting the importance of the upcoming game.
As both teams prepare for the championship, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and executing strategies that have brought them success throughout the tournament. Arizona's victory over Iowa State not only showcases their resilience but also solidifies their status as a contender for the NCAA Tournament, with Bradley's clutch performance serving as a pivotal moment in their season.
