What a game. What a shot. Kentucky Basketball delivered an unforgettable performance, edging out Santa Clara 89-84 in an overtime thriller that's sure to be etched in the annals of NCAA Tournament history.
Otega Oweh, the SEC Preseason Player of the Year, stepped up as the hero, ensuring the Wildcats would live to fight another day with his last-second heroics in regulation.
In a nail-biting finish, Oweh's moment of brilliance came with just nine seconds left, as he skillfully tied the game at 70 with a clutch layup. Santa Clara's Allen Graves responded with ice in his veins, sinking a deep 24-footer, leaving Kentucky with a mere two seconds to respond. And respond they did.
Despite Broncos head coach Herb Sendek's desperate attempt for a timeout, Oweh took the inbounds pass from Denzel Aberdeen, dashed up the court, and banked in a jaw-dropping 32-footer to force overtime.
Once in overtime, the Wildcats took control, outscoring the Broncos 16-11. This marked Kentucky's first NCAA Tournament overtime victory since their 2000 clash with St. Bonaventure.
Oweh was nothing short of spectacular in St. Louis, finishing with 35 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, committing just two turnovers over 43 grueling minutes.
His incredible shot will be remembered as one of the greatest in Wildcats history and a defining moment of March Madness. With this victory, Kentucky advances to the Round of 32, ready for their next challenge on Sunday.