ST. LOUIS - In the world of college basketball, moments like Otega Oweh's 40-foot buzzer beater are the stuff of legends. Kentucky, a No. 7 seed, managed to edge past No. 10 seed Santa Clara in a thrilling NCAA Tournament opener, thanks to Oweh’s last-second heroics.
With Kentucky trailing 70-68 in the final minute, their season was hanging by a thread. Oweh, undeterred by the pressure, drove in for a layup to tie the game with just nine seconds left on the clock.
Santa Clara responded swiftly. Allen Graves nailed a long-range three-pointer with just over two seconds to go, seemingly sealing the upset.
But the Wildcats weren't done. Amidst the roar of Santa Clara fans, Kentucky inbounded the ball.
Oweh dashed past midcourt and launched a 40-foot prayer with less than a second remaining. The ball banked off the backboard and into the net, sending the game into overtime.
"I just wanted to get the shot off and keep our season alive," Oweh explained. "I was focused on the clock, knowing we needed a three. It was all about staying locked in."
The arena erupted, none more relieved than Oweh’s teammates and coaches. Head coach Mark Pope shared his initial anxiety, "I was worried about the trajectory, but once it hit the glass perfectly, I knew it was going in."
Mouhamed Dioubate, reflecting the collective sentiment, added, "I was ready to cry if he missed. We love being together, and this couldn’t be the end."
For those who’ve followed Oweh, his knack for clutch plays is well-known. Last season, he twice sank Oklahoma with buzzer-beating layups.
Teammate Brandon Garrison had faith, "It’s Otega. He’s proven he can win games.
When he shot, I just knew."
Coach Pope couldn’t have asked for a better player in that moment. "I've been blessed to see Otega deliver time and again. His record with game-winners is impressive."
Despite missing his previous three shots, Oweh wasn’t about to let that define his night. "In those last possessions, it was about enjoying the game and not wanting it to end. We just had to respond, and we did."
Oweh’s performance was historic, finishing with 35 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists-a feat not seen since Larry Bird in 1979. "Otega can sneak up on you," Pope said. "It's wild to say with near triple-double numbers, but he’s that kind of player."
Starting with a modest seven points at halftime, Oweh exploded in the latter half, showcasing why he’s such a unique talent. "He’s a brilliant player," Pope praised.
"He brings so much energy and skill. It’s truly a credit to him."
For Kentucky, this victory isn’t just about survival-it's a testament to their resilience and the magic of March Madness.