Full Breakdown
Jaden Bradley's Buzzer-Beater Sends Arizona to Big 12 Championship
3/15/2026, 4:12:27 AM
Thrilling Semifinal Matchup
In a dramatic semifinal of the Big 12 Tournament held on March 13, 2026, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, the second-ranked Arizona Wildcats triumphed over the seventh-ranked Iowa State Cyclones with an 82-80 victory. The game concluded with a buzzer-beater from Arizona guard Jaden Bradley, who scored a fall-away jumper as time expired, securing Arizona's place in the championship game against the fifth-ranked Houston Cougars.
Game Dynamics
The contest was marked by intense back-and-forth scoring, particularly in the final minutes. Iowa State initially surged to a 14-2 lead, but Arizona responded with a series of strong plays, including a 9-0 run that allowed them to take a brief lead before halftime. The Cyclones, led by Milan Momcilovic, who scored 28 points and hit eight three-pointers, managed to regain momentum and led 43-37 at the half after a flurry of late shots.
In the second half, both teams showcased their offensive prowess, combining to make 11 of their last 13 shots. Arizona's Anthony Dell'Orso was instrumental off the bench, contributing 26 points, including six three-pointers. The Wildcats overcame an off night from their starters, Brayden Burries and Koa Peat, who combined for only seven points.
Key Moments
With the game tied at 80-80 following a three-pointer from Iowa State's Tamin Lipsey with 15 seconds remaining, Arizona opted not to call a timeout. Instead, Bradley took control of the final possession, skillfully maneuvering past Cyclones defender Killyan Toure to create space for his game-winning shot. This decision by Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd to let Bradley play through the moment proved pivotal.
Bradley finished the game with 15 points and seven assists, further solidifying his reputation as the Big 12 Player of the Year. His buzzer-beater marked the first in the Big 12 Tournament since 2015.
Official Statements & Responses
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd praised both teams for their performance, stating, "It was a great game. An epic battle. I respect Iowa State so much... They really made us dig deep." Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger acknowledged the quality of Bradley's shot, saying, "Killyan guarded Bradley as perfectly as you can guard him. Sometimes the defense is great, but the offense is just a little better."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, Iowa State's performance was commendable, with Otzelberger expressing confidence in his team's future, stating, "We have tremendous belief in the guys in our locker room... just like they're a Final Four contender, so are we." The Cyclones are projected to secure a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
What's Next
With this victory, Arizona (31-2) advances to the Big 12 Championship, where they will face Houston, a team they previously defeated in the regular season. The Wildcats aim to secure their first conference title since joining the Big 12, while Iowa State (27-7) prepares for the NCAA Tournament, where they are expected to be a strong contender.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a crazy shot, it was great defense.” — Jaden Bradley, Arizona Guard
- “And we practice a lot of figure-it-out situations.” — Tommy Lloyd, Arizona Coach
- “They just hit a tough shot to end the game.” — Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State Forward
This thrilling semifinal not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the Big 12 but also showcased the individual talents of players like Jaden Bradley and Milan Momcilovic, setting the stage for an exciting championship matchup.
