Otega Oweh etched his name into NCAA Tournament history on Friday with a jaw-dropping buzzer-beater that will be remembered for years to come. In a thrilling matchup against Santa Clara, Oweh delivered a 50-foot bank shot at the buzzer to force overtime, just moments after Allen Graves put Santa Clara ahead with a clutch 3-pointer.
Oweh, with a grin, admitted he didn’t call the bank shot. "I just got it up out of my hands.
It's March. I feel like that's just what happens.
It's crazy," he said. His determination was evident as he described his mindset: "I was just trying to get the ball out quick and get as close as I can to the goal... just locking in, trying to make the shot."
Kentucky, a No. 7 seed, capitalized on Oweh’s heroics to secure an 89-84 victory in overtime, advancing to face No. 2 seed Iowa State in the next round with a Sweet 16 berth at stake.
Oweh was unstoppable down the stretch, scoring 10 consecutive points bridging the end of regulation and the start of overtime. After a season filled with hurdles and high expectations, this was a moment of pure redemption. Injuries and early struggles faded into the background as Oweh’s performance shone through.
March Madness is known for creating unforgettable moments, and Oweh’s clutch play saved Kentucky from an early exit. Coach Mark Pope praised the team’s resilience: "There was no pause, throw your hands up.
Feel sorry for yourself reaction from our guys. They scrambled, got the ball, and Otega raced down the floor."
Oweh’s stat line was historic, making him just the fourth player in NCAA Tournament history to record at least 35 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a game, joining legends like Oscar Robertson, Bill Bradley, and Larry Bird.
A Slow Start
Just a few months ago, such a performance seemed improbable. Oweh had bypassed the 2025 NBA Draft, earning SEC Preseason Player of the Year honors, but struggled to meet those high expectations early on. His first 20-point game didn’t come until December, and injuries plagued the Wildcats, with key players like Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance sidelined.
A Strong Finish
As the stakes rose, so did Oweh’s game. He consistently scored over 20 points in conference play and shone in the SEC Tournament, helping Kentucky secure a No. 7 seed. "This guy, man, he shows up every single game in only a unique Otega Oweh way," Coach Pope remarked.
With the first-round victory in the books, Oweh has the chance to add another chapter to his redemption story against Iowa State. Can he rise to the occasion once more and lead Kentucky further into the madness? All eyes will be on him as the Wildcats aim for the Sweet 16.