Kentucky Wildcats Favored Over Santa Clara Broncos in NCAA Tournament Opener

Big Blue Nation shouldn't panic about facing the Broncos, a dangerous mid-major team, in the first round

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:35am

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The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face the Santa Clara Broncos in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, with Kentucky favored by 2.5 points. While Santa Clara is a dangerous mid-major team known for its three-point shooting, aggressive defense, and offensive rebounding, the Wildcats have significant advantages in talent, size, and tournament experience that should give them the edge.

Why it matters

Kentucky has suffered some high-profile first-round upsets in recent NCAA Tournaments, leading to concerns among Big Blue Nation about the team's ability to avoid another early exit. However, a closer look at Santa Clara's resume and statistical profile suggests the Broncos may not be as formidable as their reputation, and Kentucky's talent and experience should help them overcome the early start time and neutral-site disadvantage.

The details

Santa Clara earned just two Quad 1 wins this season, both against Saint Mary's, while suffering six Quad 1 losses and one Quad 2 loss. They also had a bad Quad 4 loss to Loyola Chicago as a heavy favorite. While the Broncos excel at three-point shooting, offensive rebounding, and forcing turnovers, they struggle on the defensive glass and at the free-throw line. Kentucky, meanwhile, has the size and athleticism to take advantage of Santa Clara's weaknesses, especially around the rim.

  • The game will tip off at 9:15 AM local time (10:15 AM ET) on Friday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Herb Sendek

The head coach of the Santa Clara Broncos, who is in his 10th season leading the program.

Otega Oweh

A standout player for the Kentucky Wildcats who is one of the best finishers around the rim in college basketball.

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What they’re saying

“This is just as much a letter to myself as it is Big Blue Nation, because we're all thinking the same thing — another first-round upset and early exit, three out of the last five years.”

— Jack Pilgrim, Writer (on3.com)

“The Broncos earned two total Quad 1 victories in the regular season and WCC Tournament combined — both against Saint Mary's, the first by eight at home on Jan. 17 and the second by five in the semifinals a week ago today.”

— Jack Pilgrim, Writer (on3.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Kentucky-Santa Clara matchup will face the winner of the game between the No. 2 seed and the No. 7 seed in the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

While Santa Clara is a dangerous mid-major team, Kentucky's talent, size, and tournament experience should give the Wildcats the edge in this first-round matchup. Big Blue Nation shouldn't panic, as the Wildcats have the tools to avoid an early upset and advance in the NCAA Tournament.