Otega Oweh Breaks Down Kentucky’s Gritty Comeback Win: “We’re Never Going to Give Up”
If you tuned out right after the final buzzer, you missed one of the most insightful postgame breakdowns of the season. Otega Oweh, fresh off a 21-point performance that helped Kentucky claw back from a 14-point hole, joined Goose Givens on the postgame show and offered a glimpse into the mindset-and the mechanics-that powered the Wildcats’ comeback win.
Here’s what stood out from Oweh’s conversation and what it tells us about where this Kentucky team is headed.
The “No Quit” Mentality Is Real
When Goose asked about the team’s resilience-especially after getting blitzed early-Oweh didn’t mince words. This group has been through the fire already this season, and that experience is starting to show.
“Yes, sir, we have been through it all this season… Just know we are never going to give up.”
You saw it unfold in real time. Down 14 points?
No panic. No flailing.
Just consistent effort, one possession at a time. Kentucky didn’t try to erase the deficit with hero ball or quick fixes.
They chipped away, trusted their system, and stayed within themselves. That kind of composure in the face of adversity isn’t easy to teach-it’s earned through reps, and this team has clearly put in the work.
Halftime Adjustments: Matching Physicality
Tennessee came out swinging in the first half. They were draining threes, dominating the glass, and dictating the physical tone. For a stretch, it looked like the Vols might run away with it.
But halftime brought a clear, focused message: match their physicality.
“They are really good at offensive rebounding… Just limit their second chance points… stay poised on the offensive end.”
Kentucky didn’t completely shut down Tennessee’s rebounding machine in the second half-far from it. But they did something just as important: they didn’t let it rattle them. They stayed poised offensively, made smarter decisions with the ball, and didn’t allow second-chance chaos to turn into scoring runs.
That level of mental toughness-especially when the whistles weren’t exactly friendly-is what allowed Kentucky to flip the momentum. And let’s be honest: Tennessee’s offensive rebounding attack is relentless, often toeing the line physically.
But Kentucky didn’t fold. They stood their ground.
Oweh’s Defensive Mindset: “I Want the Challenge”
One of the most telling parts of the interview came when Oweh talked about his defensive assignment. He spent a good chunk of the night matched up with Nate Ament, who had been lighting up opponents all season.
Oweh didn’t shy away. He embraced it.
“I try to be the best two-way player I can be… It’s a blessing for me to go out there and match up with the other team’s best player.”
That’s the kind of mentality that separates good players from great ones. Oweh isn’t just scoring-he’s taking pride in shutting down elite talent on the other end.
If Kentucky is going to make a serious run this season, it’s going to start with that kind of two-way intensity. And right now, Oweh is setting the tone.
The Game-Winning Assist: Aggression Breeds Opportunity
Of course, the play everyone wanted to talk about was the game-winning assist-a drive-and-kick to Collin Chandler that sealed the deal. Was it drawn up?
Not exactly. But it was no accident either.
Oweh credited head coach Mark Pope with a simple, powerful piece of advice.
“Coach Pope said something really big for me. Every time I am aggressive and getting two feet in the paint, something good happens… I was just being aggressive and trying to get to the paint… Luckily, Collin was open.”
That’s basketball IQ in action. Get into the paint, force the defense to collapse, and trust your teammate to knock down the shot.
It’s the kind of play that doesn’t always make highlight reels but wins games. And it speaks volumes about Oweh’s growth-not just as a scorer, but as a facilitator who understands when to attack and when to dish.
Looking Ahead: A Week to Recharge and Refocus
Kentucky now gets a rare February breather, with a full week before their next matchup at Florida. Oweh sees it as a chance to rest the legs, sharpen the mind, and lock in for the stretch run.
“We got to take a couple days off, but we still got to be locked in mentally… I think it’s going to be a really good week for us to build on our habits… It’s definitely well needed.”
At this point in the season, it’s not just about who has the most talent-it’s about who can stay sharp, stay healthy, and keep improving. Kentucky’s got the pieces. And with Oweh leading the way, they’ve got the mindset too.
Bottom line: This wasn’t just a comeback win-it was a statement. Kentucky didn’t just survive; they responded, adjusted, and executed.
And Oweh? He’s not just talking the talk.
He’s becoming the kind of player who can change a season.