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Kentucky Survives Santa Clara in NCAA Thriller
Otega Oweh's Heroics Signal a New Era for Wildcats
Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:58am
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Kentucky narrowly escaped a determined Santa Clara squad, 89-84 in overtime, in a March Madness opener for the ages. Kentucky guard Otega Oweh delivered a career-defining performance, scoring a game-high 35 points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to force overtime. Kentucky's bench also stepped up, with Mouhamed Dioubate and Brandon Garrison making significant contributions.
Why it matters
Oweh's clutch performance and Kentucky's team effort showcase the Wildcats' depth and resilience, signaling a promising tournament run. The game also highlighted the emergence of Oweh as a star player and the steady leadership of senior guard Denzel Aberdeen.
The details
Otega Oweh scored a game-high 35 points, tying game highs with eight rebounds and seven assists. Mouhamed Dioubate finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Brandon Garrison added 10 points and six blocks, including crucial rejections in overtime. Denzel Aberdeen contributed 16 points, offering much-needed stability and leadership.
- The game was played on Friday, March 21, 2026.
The players
Otega Oweh
A Kentucky guard who delivered a career-defining performance, scoring a game-high 35 points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to force overtime.
Mouhamed Dioubate
A Kentucky reserve who finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, providing a strong interior presence.
Brandon Garrison
A Kentucky reserve who added 10 points and six blocks, including crucial rejections in overtime that energized the pro-Kentucky crowd.
Denzel Aberdeen
A senior Kentucky guard who contributed 16 points, offering much-needed stability and leadership in a high-pressure environment.
What’s next
Kentucky now awaits the winner of the Iowa State versus Tennessee State matchup. The Wildcats will have an opportunity to scout their next opponent and prepare for another challenging contest in March Madness.
The takeaway
This game highlights the depth and resilience of the Kentucky Wildcats, with Otega Oweh's clutch performance and the contributions from the bench players signaling a promising tournament run for the team.
