Arizona advances to Sweet 16 after Bradley rescues Wildcats

Senior leader Jaden Bradley steps up to lead Arizona past upset-minded Utah State

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:32am

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The Arizona Wildcats survived a scare from Utah State in the NCAA tournament second-round game, rallying behind senior guard Jaden Bradley's 18 points to beat the Aggies 78-66 and advance to the Sweet 16. Bradley scored 12 of his points in the second half to help Arizona hold off Utah State's comeback attempt after the Wildcats had built a big lead earlier in the half.

Why it matters

Arizona's victory keeps the Wildcats' NCAA tournament run alive as they look to make a deep March Madness run under head coach Tommy Lloyd. The win also marks the 22nd time the program has reached the Sweet 16, the fourth time in Lloyd's five seasons as head coach.

The details

After building a 51-33 lead early in the second half, Arizona had to withstand a Utah State rally that cut the deficit to single digits. But senior guard Jaden Bradley took over, making key baskets and free throws to keep the Wildcats on top. Freshman Brayden Burries also hit a crucial 3-pointer late in the game that Utah State coach Jerrod Calhoun called the 'dagger' that sealed the win for Arizona.

  • Arizona built a 51-33 lead in the early part of the second half.

The players

Jaden Bradley

A senior guard for the Arizona Wildcats who led the team with 18 points, including 12 in the second half, to help Arizona hold off Utah State's comeback attempt.

Brayden Burries

A freshman guard for Arizona who hit a crucial 3-pointer late in the game that Utah State's coach called the 'dagger' that sealed the win for the Wildcats.

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who has now led the program to the Sweet 16 four times in his five seasons as head coach.

Jerrod Calhoun

The head coach of the Utah State Aggies, who praised Arizona guard Jaden Bradley's performance in leading the Wildcats to the victory.

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What they’re saying

“It's always good to keep a lead. I was able to see some shots go in and get to the line, hit some midranges. I had to keep it going for my team, They kept going to me and I tried to kept delivering.”

— Jaden Bradley, Arizona guard

“When he had the ball in his hands at the end, I was trying to figure out ways, obvsiously, I wanted it in JB's hands, but when Brayden had that possession that ended at the deep clock, I felt pretty good about it.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Arizona head coach

“Basketball is a game of runs. We're going to go on runs, they're going to go on runs. When you go through adversity, that's when you show your character.”

— Brayden Burries, Arizona guard

“If they are going to get to the Final Four, Bradley is going to get them there.”

— Jerrod Calhoun, Utah State head coach

What’s next

Arizona will face Arkansas and freshman sensation Darius Acuff Jr. in the Sweet 16 on Thursday at approximately 6:45 p.m. in San Jose.

The takeaway

This game showcased the leadership and clutch play of Arizona's senior guard Jaden Bradley, who stepped up when the Wildcats needed him most to help the team survive and advance in the NCAA tournament. Bradley's performance highlights the importance of veteran leadership in March Madness, as Arizona looks to make a deep run towards the Final Four.