UCLA Bruins Upset Arizona Wildcats 89-87 in Triple Overtime Pac-12 Tournament Classic at T-Mobile Arena

UCLA delivered one of the most memorable performances in Pac-12 Tournament history on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, overcoming an 18-point second-half deficit to defeat top-seeded Arizona 89-87 in a triple-overtime thriller that will be remembered as an instant March Madness classic. Jaime Jaquez Jr was absolutely brilliant throughout the contest, scoring 31 points and grabbing 14 rebounds while playing all 55 minutes of the marathon encounter that had the capacity crowd of 19,500 on their feet for the final 20 minutes of regulation and beyond.

The contest began with Arizona looking every bit the tournament favorite, as Bennedict Mathurin and Azuolas Tubelis combined for 28 first-half points while the Wildcats built what appeared to be a commanding 52-34 halftime advantage. Arizona seemed in complete control through the first 35 minutes of play, using their superior size and athleticism to dominate the glass while forcing UCLA into difficult shots throughout the opening frame. The Bruins appeared overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment and struggled to match Arizonas intensity on both ends of the floor.

However, UCLA demonstrated the kind of resilience and character that has defined their basketball program for generations, mounting a spectacular comeback that had the Las Vegas crowd witnessing something truly special. Jaquez was the catalyst for the rally, scoring 18 points during a furious 12-minute stretch that saw the Bruins completely erase their deficit while taking their first lead since early in the first half. His three-pointer with 2:47 remaining in regulation tied the game at 71-71, setting up a frantic finish that would require three additional periods to determine a winner.

Regulation ended with both teams deadlocked at 75-75 after Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa missed a contested three-pointer at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime where the drama only intensified. The first two overtime periods featured eight lead changes as both teams traded crucial baskets while their respective fan bases provided deafening support throughout T-Mobile Arena. UCLA guard Tyger Campbell was exceptional during the extra sessions, consistently making big plays when his team needed them most while demonstrating the kind of veteran leadership that championship teams require.

The third overtime belonged entirely to Jaquez, who scored 7 of UCLAs 9 points while playing inspired basketball despite obvious fatigue after logging 55 grueling minutes. His driving layup with 43 seconds remaining in the third extra session proved to be the decisive basket, giving UCLA an 89-85 lead they would not relinquish. Arizonas final possession ended with a desperation three-pointer from Mathurin that rimmed out, allowing UCLA to secure one of the most improbable victories in recent tournament history.

The stunning upset sends UCLA to the Pac-12 Tournament championship game while dealing a devastating blow to Arizonas hopes of securing a number one seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Bruins coach Mick Cronin was emotional following the victory, noting that games like this demonstrate why college basketball remains the most unpredictable and exciting sport during championship season. As UCLA players celebrated with their traveling fans following the triple-overtime marathon, the college basketball world was reminded once again that March Madness magic can happen at any time when teams refuse to surrender despite seemingly impossible odds.