When the college basketball calendar turns to March, stringing wins together and dominating opponents game in and game out is simply not feasible.
The Arizona men’s basketball team cruised to an easy win over Long Island University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and it looked as if the Wildcats would do it again in Sunday’s 78-66 win against Utah State in a West Region second-round game.
However, the Aggies had other ideas. Despite trailing 51-33 five minutes into the second half, Utah State rallied to within 60-56 with 6:09 to play.
Fortunately for the Wildcats, they had old reliable.
Jaden Bradley, the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year in 2025-26, scored 12 of his 18 points in the second half. He completed a fast break with a bank shot, drew a foul and converted a 3-point play that stretched the Wildcats’ lead to 63-56 with 5:47 left to play. After a Utah State 3-pointer, he followed with a floating jumper and another free throw to stave off any further Utah State thoughts of a rally and the No. 1 seeded Wildcats advanced to the Sweet 16.
“I know my teammates believe in me,” Bradley said. “I got great bigs that can get me open with ball screens and duck-ins … and my teammates give me great space. (I’m) Just trusting in my work and trying to get to my spots and make plays.”
Bradley started out the game shooting 1 of 9 from the field. He was getting to his spots, creating space as usual, but the shot just wasn’t falling in the first half. When it came down to the wire, and with his season and Wildcat career hanging in the balance, Bradley knew it was time to take over.
“I have got so much respect for Bradley,” Utah State coach Jerrod Calhoun said. “You know, the guy’s a winner. He’s what college basketball is supposed to be. He sees the game. He’s got a great demeanor. He’s good in pick-and-rolls.”
“If they’re going to win a national championship or get to the Final Four, in my opinion, Bradley’s going to get them there.”
Utah State certainly wasn’t at its best for all 40 minutes in Sunday’s contest, but there was also no quit. The Aggies, once down as many as 18, rallied back thanks to an uptick in ball pressure and the Wildcats’ inability to make shots.
“We trapped them multiple times, which led to some steals,” Calhoun said. “And it finally looked like Aggie basketball. We were playing on our heels instead of our toes (before the rally).”
But Bradley turned a corner in the second half, shooting 5 for 7 from the field while seemingly getting to any spot on the floor he wanted to go. As the team’s unofficial senior leader, the onus was on him to steer the Wildcats into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Where he shone the majority of the night was on the defensive end. Bradley spent most of his time guarding MJ Collins Jr., a near 18-point per game scorer and Mountain West All-Second Team selection. He played a big role in holding Collins Jr. to 12 points on 4-for-14 shooting.
Wildcat guard Brayden Burries fills a similar role to Bradley, albeit in his own way. The freshman carries himself nonchalantly, both on and off the court, not allowing outside noise or an in-game slump to show in his emotions.
“Brayden’s a winner, and he has ultimate confidence,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said. “And it’s been a joy to coach him … he’s a laid-back, kind-of-unassuming guy, but he has a killer in him. And that’s a beautiful attribute.”
Burries had many positive stretches in the game, but while Utah State was on its run, he struggled holding on to the ball, wasting a lot of possessions and granting the Aggies fast break opportunities.
But then, that “killer” part of him came out. With the shot clock winding down, Burries stepped into a deep 3-pointer over the outstretched arm of lanky 6-foot-9 freshman Adlan Elamin and sent a dagger through Aggie nation.
“He’s very mature for his age,” Bradley said of his teammate. “He’s having a great season. Offensively, he’s a team’s worst nightmare, shooter from all three levels, can defend. He’s definitely a great piece to have.”
The Wildcats now sit one win away from their first Elite Eight since 2015 and two from their first Final Four since 2001. To reach the heights that this team has shown it’s capable of, it’s going to need the poise and resilience that it showed Sunday.
Next stop: San Jose, where Arizona will face No. 4 seed Arkansas and SEC Player of the Year and All-American Darius Acuff Jr., who is arguably the most poised player in the entire country.
lets not forget where we are why ; Tommie recruited an amazing group of athletes – in a short order manner- they came with him because they know he knows.. yup I want! on your team.. Hello Az WILDCATS / Semi=Pro At that age – your semi-pro in life ; B-Ball is faster than life it what its presenting to these young men. “Coach” is just the guy they need and.. he’s the correct person to fill this function for these young men. Wonder who the team will be next year.. this series of games – the memories of these guys later 🙂