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Otega Oweh's Heroics Lift Kentucky Over Santa Clara in OT Thriller
Wildcats advance after Oweh's game-tying shot and clutch free throws in overtime
Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:49am
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Otega Oweh hit a game-tying halfcourt shot at the buzzer to force overtime, then made all four of his free throw attempts in the extra session as Kentucky escaped with an 89-84 victory over Santa Clara in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Oweh finished with 35 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the Wildcats, who shot 50.8% from the field. The rollercoaster game featured 20 lead changes and was tied 12 times.
Why it matters
This thrilling March Madness matchup showcased the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament, as an underdog Santa Clara squad pushed a powerhouse Kentucky team to the brink before ultimately falling in overtime. The game highlighted the talent and clutch performances of players like Oweh, who stepped up when his team needed him most.
The details
In a back-and-forth affair, Santa Clara took a two-point lead in overtime on a 3-pointer by Sash Gavalyugov. But Kentucky responded, tying the game on a layup by Mouhamed Dioubate and taking the lead for good on two free throws by Oweh with 1:12 remaining. The Wildcats then got key defensive stops, including two blocked 3-point attempts by Brandon Garrison, to seal the victory.
- The game was played on Friday, March 21, 2026.
- Oweh hit the game-tying halfcourt shot as time expired in regulation to force overtime.
The players
Otega Oweh
A standout guard for Kentucky who scored 35 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 7 assists, including the game-tying halfcourt shot at the end of regulation.
Allen Graves
The 7-1 center for Santa Clara who scored 17 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, including a go-ahead 3-pointer late in the second half that looked to be the game-winner before Oweh's heroics.
Mouhamed Dioubate
The Kentucky forward who scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, including a key layup in overtime to give the Wildcats the lead for good.
Elijah Mahi
The leading scorer for Santa Clara with 20 points, including a 3-pointer in overtime to keep the Broncos within striking distance.
Brandon Garrison
The Kentucky forward who made two crucial blocked shots in overtime to help preserve the Wildcats' victory.
What they’re saying
“We must have made it a little too exciting there at the end, but I'm proud of the way our guys fought and found a way to win.”
— John Calipari, Kentucky Head Coach
“It's a tough way to end the season, but our guys gave everything they had and I couldn't be prouder of their effort.”
— Herb Sendek, Santa Clara Head Coach
What’s next
Kentucky will face the winner of the matchup between No. 2 seed Gonzaga and No. 15 seed Montana State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.
The takeaway
This thrilling first-round game showcased the unpredictability and excitement of March Madness, as an underdog Santa Clara squad pushed Kentucky to the brink before the Wildcats' star player, Otega Oweh, made the plays down the stretch to lead his team to victory.
