Jaden Bradley’s Buzzer-Beater Lifts Arizona to Big 12 Tournament Final

College Sports · By Marcus Chen · March 14, 2026
Jaden Bradley’s Buzzer-Beater Lifts Arizona to Big 12 Tournament Final

No. 2 Arizona advanced to the Big 12 tournament final in thrilling fashion as Jaden Bradley delivered a fall-away jumper at the buzzer, sealing an 82-80 victory over Iowa State on Friday night. The Wildcats’ dramatic win sets up a high-stakes showdown in the conference championship game, marking a pivotal moment in their postseason campaign.

Bradley’s clutch shot capped a back-and-forth contest that showcased Arizona’s resilience against a determined Iowa State squad. The game remained tightly contested throughout, with neither team able to establish a comfortable lead. As the clock wound down and the score knotted at 80, Bradley created space against his defender and launched a difficult jumper as time expired, sending the Arizona bench and fans into a frenzy.

  • Arizona scored 82 points, narrowly edging Iowa State’s 80.
  • Bradley’s buzzer-beater was the decisive moment, breaking the tie and clinching the win.
  • The Wildcats will now play in the Big 12 tournament final, seeking their first conference title since joining the league.

This win continues Arizona’s impressive run in the postseason, reflecting their status as one of the nation’s top teams. The Wildcats, ranked No. 2 nationally, demonstrated poise in the face of pressure, relying not only on Bradley’s heroics but also a balanced offensive attack throughout the game. Iowa State matched Arizona’s intensity, but ultimately fell just short in the final seconds.

The result has significant implications for Arizona’s NCAA tournament seeding and momentum heading into the national postseason. Securing a spot in the Big 12 final provides the Wildcats with an opportunity to further solidify their credentials as a championship contender. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team prepares for the next challenge.

For further details on game stats and Arizona’s tournament schedule, visit the Arizona Wildcats official site and the Big 12 standings.

As Arizona looks ahead to the conference final, Bradley’s buzzer-beater will be remembered as one of the defining moments of March basketball, epitomizing the drama and unpredictability of college hoops.

Sources

  1. [1]ESPN College Sports