In a game that felt like a March Madness preview, Jaden Bradley‘s clutch jumper with no time left propelled No. 2 Arizona to an 82-80 win over No. 7 Iowa State, sending the Wildcats to the Big 12 Tournament final and underscoring their national championship credentials.
The Big 12 Tournament semifinal between Arizona and Iowa State delivered on its pregame hype, transforming Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center into a cauldron of tension and excitement. What unfolded was a masterclass in high-stakes basketball, where every possession felt monumental and the outcome hinged on a single, unforgettable moment.
Jaden Bradley, the sophomore guard, authored that moment. With the game tied and seconds melting away after Iowa State‘s Tamin Lipsey drilled a improbable three-pointer, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd opted against calling a timeout. Bradley took the inbounds pass, conducted his team upcourt with veteran poise, drove right past Killyan Toure, and rose for a perfectly arced jumper that swished through as the buzzer sounded, igniting a wild celebration and securing an 82-80 victory. The shot, captured in dramatic fashion, was the culmination of a game defined by relentless offensive exchanges.
The win advances No. 2 Arizona (31-2) to the Big 12 title game, where they will face No. 5 Houston, who advanced with a dominant 69-47 victory over No. 14 Kansas. This final pits two of the nation’s most formidable programs against each other in a contest loaded with Final Four implications. The Associated Press confirmed the bracket outcomes, highlighting the stakes for both conferences.
While Bradley’s shot provided the final punctuation, the game was a team effort defined by resilience and depth. The Wildcats weathered an early 14-5 run by the Cyclones and responded with a 9-0 burst of their own. The second half was a scintillating shootout, with both teams connecting on 11 of their final 13 shots—seven from beyond the arc. Anthony Dell’Orso was the offensive spark off the bench, matching a career-high with six three-pointers and pouring in 26 points. His performance was crucial in compensating for an off-night from star guard Brayden Burries (0-for-7, 3 points) and first-round prospect Koa Peat (4 points, 4 turnovers).
“We’ve got so many guys that can get it going any night,” Bradley noted, embodying the team-first ethos that has defined Arizona’s season. His 15 points may not lead the box score, but his defensive intensity and clutch execution were invaluable.
For Iowa State (27-7), the loss stings but does not diminish their tournament outlook. The Cyclones were led by a phenomenal performance from Milan Momcilovic, who matched a career high with eight three-pointers on his way to 28 points. All-Big 12 forward Joshua Jefferson added 21 points, and Killyan Toure finished with 12 points despite his tight defense on the final play. Lipsey, battling a sore groin and shooting poorly most of the night (1-of-10), delivered the critical three to force overtime, showcasing the grit that makes Iowa State a nightmare matchup.
“Look, at the end of the day, Killyan guarded Bradley as perfect as you can guard him. Bradley is a winning player, a fierce competitor,” admitted Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger, offering full credit to the opposing guard’s heroics. The respect was mutual. “An epic battle,” said Lloyd. “Their shot-making was different than when we played them 10 days ago.”
The context of this matchup amplifies its significance. These two teams met just ten days prior in the regular season finale, a game Arizona won by 15. Yet Iowa State elevated their play, hitting big shot after big shot in a venue that felt more like a Final Four environment. A record single-session crowd of 19,450 roared with each basket, creating an atmosphere that will resonate in both locker rooms as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament.
From a strategic lens, the game revealed key narratives. Arizona‘s ability to win despite subpar nights from two core players (Burries and Peat) speaks to their championship depth—a trait shared with the top teams in the nation. For Iowa State, the performance proves they can hang with any team, but closing out tight games remains a point of emphasis. The Cyclones’ ability to hit 11 of their last 13 shots demonstrates offensive firepower, yet the final possession defined the fine line between triumph and heartbreak.
Fan discussions will inevitably focus on the “what ifs.” What if Otzelberger had called a timeout on the final possession to set up a different play? What if Momcilovic’s hot hand had被 defended more aggressively earlier? These questions are part of the lore, but the outcome is etched in stone: Bradley’s shot is the difference. His calmness in the storm, mirroring his coach’s trust in him to orchestrate the final play, is the stuff of legend in the making.
Both programs head into Selection Sunday with solidified résumés. Arizona locks up a No. 1 seed with this win, their 31st against just two losses. Iowa State, despite the loss, has shown they belong in the top tier of the Big 12 and will be a formidable No. 2 or 3 seed in the NCAA bracket. Their belief, as Otzelberger stated, remains unshaken: “We have big things ahead of us starting next week.”
The Big 12 Tournament final now sets the stage for a titanic clash. Houston’s suffocating defense versus Arizona’s offensive depth will be the marquee matchup. But all eyes will be on Jaden Bradley, whose name is now forever etched in conference tournament lore after a shot that will be replayed for years to come.
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