Full Breakdown
Jaden Bradley's Buzzer Beater Sends Arizona to Big 12 Championship
3/15/2026, 10:38:56 AM
Thrilling Semifinal Showdown
On March 14, 2026, the Arizona Wildcats triumphed over the Iowa State Cyclones with a score of 82-80 in the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament, thanks to a buzzer-beater by Jaden Bradley. The game, held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, showcased the depth and talent of the Big 12 basketball conference, drawing a record crowd of 19,450.
The match began with Iowa State taking an early 14-2 lead, but Arizona rallied, eventually tying the game at halftime with a score of 43-37. The Wildcats demonstrated resilience, overcoming a slow start and a challenging first half marked by turnovers and missed opportunities. Arizona's Anthony Dell'Orso played a pivotal role, scoring 26 points, while Bradley contributed 15 points and seven assists.
Key Moments and Performances
The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets in a high-scoring finale. Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic led his team with 28 points, including eight three-pointers, while Joshua Jefferson added 21 points. The game reached its climax when Tamin Lipsey of Iowa State hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 80 with just 15.2 seconds remaining.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd opted not to call a timeout, allowing Bradley to control the final possession. He drove to the right wing, evading tight defense from Iowa State's Killyan Toure, and made a fall-away jumper as time expired, sealing the victory for the Wildcats.
Official Statements & Responses
Tommy Lloyd praised the decision by Big 12 leadership to revert to traditional flooring for the tournament, stating, “Just getting these guys playing on a surface they’re comfortable with... allowed for a beautiful basketball game to happen tonight.” He emphasized the importance of allowing players to perform at their best.
Iowa State's coach T.J. Otzelberger acknowledged the competitiveness of the game, saying, “They just hit a tough shot to end the game,” while expressing pride in his team's performance.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the thrilling nature of the game, some critics pointed out that Iowa State's early lead and subsequent performance showcased areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining momentum during critical moments. The Cyclones' inability to capitalize on their initial advantage was noted as a key factor in their loss.
What's Next
With this victory, Arizona advances to the Big 12 Championship game, where they will face the Houston Cougars, who defeated Kansas in the other semifinal. The Wildcats aim to secure their second consecutive Big 12 title and solidify their position as a top contender for the NCAA Tournament.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a great game. An epic battle. And I respect Iowa State so much,” — Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats
- “Killyan guarded Bradley as perfectly as you could guard him,” — T.J. Otzelberger, Head Coach, Iowa State Cyclones
- “Jaden Bradley's buzzer-beater was the first in Big 12 tourney since Iowa State's Monte Morris in 2015,” — Jeff Goodman, College Basketball Reporter
This thrilling semifinal not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the Big 12 but also reinforced Arizona's status as a formidable force in college basketball.
