Buzzer-beater saves 'Cats from early exit

Otega Oweh's last-second heroics force overtime, then Kentucky holds on to beat Santa Clara in NCAA Tournament

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:05am

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Otega Oweh hit a buzzer-beater from just inside half court to force overtime, then made the tiebreaking free throws in the extra period as seventh-seeded Kentucky beat No. 10 seed Santa Clara 89-84 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Oweh scored a career-high 35 points and had 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the Wildcats, who will face No. 2 seed Iowa State in the second round.

Why it matters

Kentucky's dramatic comeback win over Santa Clara in the NCAA Tournament's opening round showcased the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where even highly ranked teams can be pushed to the brink by determined underdogs. The Wildcats' ability to rally from a late deficit and prevail in overtime highlights their resilience and the team's potential to make a deep tournament run.

The details

With Kentucky trailing 73-70 and just 2.4 seconds left in regulation, Oweh received the inbound pass, pushed the ball up the court and launched a desperation heave from just inside half court that banked in at the buzzer to force overtime. In the extra period, Oweh hit the tiebreaking free throws with 1:12 remaining to put the Wildcats ahead for good. Kentucky's Brandon Garrison also made two key blocks in the final minute of overtime to help seal the victory.

  • Oweh hit the game-tying buzzer-beater as time expired in regulation.
  • Oweh made the tiebreaking free throws with 1:12 left in overtime.

The players

Otega Oweh

A Kentucky player who scored a career-high 35 points and hit the game-tying buzzer-beater to force overtime, then made the tiebreaking free throws in the extra period to lead the Wildcats to victory.

Brandon Garrison

A Kentucky player who made two key blocks in the final minute of overtime to help preserve the Wildcats' win.

Herb Sendek

The head coach of Santa Clara, who was making his return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014 with Arizona State.

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What they’re saying

“As he raised up, he said, 'That's a bucket,' and then threw it off the glass.”

— Mark Pope, Kentucky head coach

“It's March. I feel like that's just what happens. You know, it's crazy.”

— Otega Oweh

“I was just praying for it to go in. I was about to cry if he missed that shot.”

— Mouhamed Dioubate, Kentucky player

What’s next

Kentucky will face No. 2 seed Iowa State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament's Midwest Region.

The takeaway

Kentucky's dramatic comeback victory over Santa Clara showcased the Wildcats' resilience and ability to overcome adversity, traits that could serve them well as they continue their NCAA Tournament run. The game also highlighted the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where even highly ranked teams can be pushed to the brink by determined underdogs.