Full Breakdown
Jaden Bradley's Buzzer-Beater Sends Arizona to Big 12 Championship
3/15/2026, 9:06:36 AM
Thrilling Semifinal Matchup
In a dramatic semifinal of the Big 12 Tournament, the second-ranked Arizona Wildcats edged out the seventh-ranked Iowa State Cyclones with an 82-80 victory, thanks to a last-second jumper by Jaden Bradley. The game, held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, showcased both teams' offensive prowess, with the Wildcats overcoming a 14-2 deficit early in the game.
Arizona's Anthony Dell'Orso led the scoring with 26 points, including six three-pointers, while Bradley contributed 15 points and seven assists. Ivan Kharchenkov added 17 points, and Tobe Awaka recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. For Iowa State, Milan Momcilovic was the standout performer, scoring 28 points and hitting eight three-pointers, while Joshua Jefferson added 21 points.
Key Moments and Game Flow
The game was characterized by intense back-and-forth exchanges. Iowa State initially took control, leading 43-37 at halftime after a late surge that included a buzzer-beater three-pointer by Momcilovic. The Cyclones maintained their lead for much of the second half, but Arizona fought back, eventually taking a 76-74 lead with just over a minute remaining.
With the score tied at 80-80, Iowa State's Tamin Lipsey hit a crucial three-pointer with 15.2 seconds left, seemingly setting the stage for overtime. However, Arizona opted not to call a timeout, allowing Bradley to orchestrate the final play. He drove to his right, creating just enough space to sink a fadeaway jumper as time expired, sealing the victory for the Wildcats.
Official Statements & Responses
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd praised both teams, 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 competitiveness of the game, saying, "Killyan [Toure] 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 many analysts suggesting they remain a strong contender for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Critics pointed out that while the Cyclones played well, their inability to capitalize on free-throw opportunities—making only four of eight attempts—was a significant factor in their defeat.
What's Next
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 matchup is particularly significant as it serves as a rematch of last year's championship game, which Houston won. Arizona, now with a record of 31-2, is projected to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, while Iowa State, with a 27-7 record, is expected to secure a favorable seed as well.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a great game. An epic battle. And I respect Iowa State so much,” — Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats
- “Sometimes the defense is great, but the offense is just a little better.” — T.J. Otzelberger, Head Coach, Iowa State Cyclones
- “It was a crazy shot. It was great defense.” — Jaden Bradley, Arizona Wildcats
This thrilling semifinal not only showcased the talent of both teams but also set the stage for an exciting championship game in the Big 12 Tournament.
