KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A dramatic buzzer-beater by Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley secured an 82-80 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones in the semifinal of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament on Friday night. The win propels the second-ranked Wildcats to the tournament final, where they will face Houston, a team that defeated them in last year’s championship game. The game, played in Kansas City, Missouri, was a back-and-forth affair, ultimately decided in the final seconds.
Bradley’s game-winning shot came after Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey tied the score with a three-pointer with just 15.2 seconds remaining. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd opted not to call a timeout, trusting Bradley to navigate the court and create a scoring opportunity. Bradley drove to his right and released a fall-away jumper as time expired, sending his teammates and the Arizona bench into a frenzy. The victory was a testament to the Wildcats’ composure under pressure and their ability to execute in crucial moments.
Wildcats Rely on Dell’Orso’s Hot Shooting, Bradley’s Clutch Performance
Anthony Dell’Orso led the Wildcats in scoring with 26 points, matching his career-best performance with six three-pointers. Bradley finished with 15 points, proving pivotal in the game’s closing moments. Ivan Kharchenkov also contributed significantly to Arizona’s offensive effort, adding 17 points. Tobe Awaka rounded out the key contributors with 10 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court. Arizona shot 55% from the field, showcasing their efficient offensive execution. ESPN provided live coverage and final statistics of the game.
The Wildcats (31-2) faced a determined Iowa State team that started the game strong, opening with a 14-5 run. Arizona responded with a run of their own, briefly taking the lead late in the first half. Though, the Cyclones regained momentum before halftime, fueled by a strong performance from Milan Momcilovic, who hit three three-pointers in the final 1:23 of the half, including a buzzer-beater after an Arizona turnover. This gave Iowa State a narrow lead heading into the break.
Momcilovic Leads Cyclones, But Late Surge Falls Short
Milan Momcilovic was the standout performer for Iowa State, matching a career-high with eight three-pointers and scoring 28 points. All-Big 12 forward Joshua Jefferson added 21 points to the Cyclones’ tally, whereas Killyan Toure contributed 12 points. Lipsey finished with eight points and seven assists, demonstrating his all-around impact on the game. Despite their strong offensive showing, the Cyclones (27-7) were unable to contain Arizona’s late-game surge. Iowa State shot 47% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc, but ultimately fell short against a resilient Arizona team.
The game featured several lead changes and intense back-and-forth action, highlighting the competitive nature of both teams. Arizona’s ability to weather Iowa State’s early run and respond with their own offensive bursts proved crucial. The Wildcats’ experience and composure in the face of adversity ultimately allowed them to secure the victory. The CBS Sports game tracker provided real-time updates throughout the contest.
Key Moments and Statistical Highlights
- Buzzer-Beater: Jaden Bradley’s game-winning jumper with no time remaining.
- Dell’Orso’s Shooting: Anthony Dell’Orso’s six three-pointers and 26 points.
- Momcilovic’s Performance: Milan Momcilovic’s eight three-pointers and 28 points for Iowa State.
- Rebounding Battle: Arizona held a slight rebounding advantage, 33-34.
- Turnovers: Arizona committed 12 turnovers, while Iowa State had 11.
The Wildcats’ victory sets up a highly anticipated rematch against Houston in the Big 12 Tournament final. Last year’s championship game saw Houston defeat Arizona and the Wildcats will be looking for redemption. The game promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the nation’s top teams, both vying for the tournament title and a favorable seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The win also solidifies Arizona’s position as a strong contender for the national championship.
The game was officiated by Gregory Nixon, Marques Pettigrew, and Doug Sirmons. According to ESPN Analytics, Arizona had a 50% chance of winning at halftime, while Iowa State had a 28% chance. The win probability shifted throughout the second half, ultimately culminating in Bradley’s dramatic game-winner. The MSN report highlighted the significance of the victory for Arizona.
Arizona’s ability to adapt to Iowa State’s offensive strategies and execute their own game plan effectively was a key factor in their success. The Wildcats’ depth and versatility allowed them to overcome the Cyclones’ strong performance and secure the hard-fought victory. The team’s resilience and determination will be crucial as they prepare for the championship game against Houston.
The Big 12 Tournament final between Arizona and Houston is scheduled for Saturday night. The game will be a test of both teams’ offensive and defensive capabilities, as well as their mental fortitude. The winner of the tournament will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and will be well-positioned for a deep run in the tournament. Fans can expect a highly competitive and entertaining matchup between two of the nation’s elite college basketball programs.
Key Takeaways:
- Jaden Bradley’s buzzer-beater secured Arizona’s spot in the Big 12 Tournament final.
- Anthony Dell’Orso’s six three-pointers were crucial to Arizona’s offensive success.
- Milan Momcilovic led Iowa State with 28 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Arizona.
- Arizona will face Houston in the tournament final, seeking redemption from last year’s loss.
The next confirmed event is the Big 12 Tournament final between Arizona and Houston, scheduled for Saturday evening. Further updates and information regarding the game can be found on the ESPN website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and reactions to this exciting game in the comments section below.
Worth a look