Story perspectives

Jaden Bradley's Buzzer-Beater Sends Arizona to Championship

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jaden Bradley's buzzer-beater gave the Arizona Wildcats an 82-80 win over Iowa State Cyclones in the Big 12 tournament semifinals on March 14, 2026.
Bradley finished with 15 points and praised Iowa State's defense after the contested shot.
Anthony Dell'Orso scored 26 points for Arizona, while Milan Momcilovic led Iowa State with 28.
Arizona will face Houston in the championship game, extending its eight-game win streak.

History

Historical Context

The 1985 NCAA Basketball Tournament marked a pivotal moment in college sports, showcasing the rise of underdog teams. Villanova, an eighth seed, won the championship, defeating Georgetown by a narrow 66-64 margin. This event set a precedent for thrilling tournament upsets, similar to Arizona's recent buzzer-beater victory over Iowa State. The excitement surrounding such games has since fueled fan engagement and increased television viewership, significantly impacting college basketball's popularity and commercial success.

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Story summary

Jaden Bradley's buzzer-beater gave the Arizona Wildcats an 82-80 win over Iowa State Cyclones in the Big 12 tournament semifinals on March 14, 2026.
Bradley finished with 15 points and praised Iowa State's defense after the contested shot.
Anthony Dell'Orso scored 26 points for Arizona, while Milan Momcilovic led Iowa State with 28.
Arizona will face Houston in the championship game, extending its eight-game win streak.

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