Otega Oweh makes Kentucky history in UK’s thrilling OT win over Santa Clara
By David Wasson
Published:
Oweh, oh my!
Kentucky guard Otega Oweh turned in a masterful performance for seventh-seeded Kentucky on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament – scoring 35 points that included a spectacular game-tying 3-pointer in the Wildcats’ 89-84 victory over 10th-seeded Santa Clara.
Oweh banked in a 3 at the horn to end regulation and cap a wild sequence that started with him tying it at 70-70 via a twisting layup, only to watch the Broncos go the length of the floor to can a 3 for a 73-70 edge. Oweh then got the inbounds pass, dribbled quickly past half court and banked home his own 3 to send Enterprise Center in St. Louis into a frenzy.
Oweh added six more points in the 5-minute overtime session to help push Kentucky (21-13) to the second round, where the Wildcats will face either second-seeded Iowa State or 15th-seeded Tennessee State on Sunday. Santa Clara, the WCC Tournament champs making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996, ends its season at 26-8.
Oweh had been a star for Kentucky all season, entering March Madness averaging 18.2 points per game and 33.6% from 3-point range. Friday against Santa Clara, Oweh (35 points, eight rebounds, seven assists) became the first Kentucky player with at least 30 points, five rebounds and five assists in a men’s NCAA Tournament game.
Kentucky is now one win from a return to the Sweet 16! Kalshi is taking action on predictions to play next week!
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
