Kansas City felt electric as Jaden Bradley took the shot that would change everything. He wasn’t sure if it would go in, but once he saw the backboard light up, he knew he had done it. “You dream about moments like that,” he said, “counting down and sinking the winning shot.”
That shot, his first buzzer-beater in college, propelled No. 2 Arizona to an 82-80 victory over No. 7 Iowa State in the Big 12 championship game. It was one for the books, showcasing the skill and intensity of both teams. They made 11 of their last 13 shots, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The game kicked off with Arizona’s Ivan Kharchenkov scoring a turnaround basket. Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic quickly responded with a three-pointer. Then Arizona’s Anthony Dell’Orso got in on the action, hitting one right back. It felt like an electrifying contest of who could sink more threes, as the teams went back and forth without a break.
Dell’Orso ended the game with 26 points, noting that Bradley was pivotal. “JB kept finding me. I felt open every time.” Even when Bradley missed a layup, Tobe Awaka followed up with a dunk, keeping the pressure on Iowa State.
The frantic last minutes revealed both teams’ defenses but neither could stop the scoring. Even Tamin Lipsey, who had struggled before, hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game, setting the stage for Bradley’s dramatic finish.
Arizona’s coach, Tommy Lloyd, emphasized a catchphrase in their program: FIO, or “figure it out.” He trusted Bradley to make the right play in those final moments. “We practice a lot of situations like this,” Lloyd mentioned, underscoring the importance of instinct and teamwork.
Bradley reflected on the final shot: “I was just trying to get to my spot. I had hit a mid-range shot earlier, so I aimed for a good look. It was a tough bucket.”
Despite Iowa State having a significant crowd advantage, Arizona found its energy and celebrated fiercely after Bradley’s winning shot. Moments like these highlight the beauty of college basketball, where dreams and determination collide on the court.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that college basketball is increasingly becoming a platform for personal growth. Players often share their experiences on social media, creating a culture of connection and interaction with fans. Recent surveys show that 75% of college basketball fans engage with teams and players on social media, making every moment, like Bradley’s, even more special.
In a world where statistics tell half the story, it’s the human element—the thrill, the pressure, the celebration—that makes games like this unforgettable. As Bradley himself noted, it’s about those moments we dream of and strive to make a reality.
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Iowa State Cyclones, Arizona Wildcats, Men's College Basketball
