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Santa Clara falls to Kentucky in NCAA Tournament thriller
Wildcats hit late 3-pointer to edge Broncos in first-round matchup
Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:21pm
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In a back-and-forth first-round NCAA Tournament game, the Santa Clara Broncos came up just short against the Kentucky Wildcats, losing on a last-second 3-pointer that gave Kentucky the victory. The game featured several lead changes and clutch shots down the stretch as both teams battled to advance in the tournament.
Why it matters
The loss is a tough one for Santa Clara, who were hoping to pull off an upset and advance in the tournament. However, the close, exciting nature of the game has generated a lot of buzz and interest around the Broncos' program, showcasing their competitiveness against one of college basketball's powerhouse teams.
The details
With the game tied in the final seconds, Kentucky's star player hit a deep 3-pointer to give the Wildcats a 3-point lead. Santa Clara had one last chance to tie it, but their final shot attempt fell short at the buzzer, sealing the victory for Kentucky.
- The game was played on Friday, March 21, 2026 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
- Kentucky hit the game-winning 3-pointer with just seconds remaining on the clock.
The players
Kentucky Wildcats
A perennial powerhouse in college basketball, the Kentucky Wildcats are one of the most successful programs in NCAA history.
Santa Clara Broncos
The Santa Clara Broncos are the men's basketball team of Santa Clara University, a private Jesuit university located in Santa Clara, California.
What they’re saying
“A tough one to swallow, but our guys played their hearts out. I'm proud of the effort they gave against a great Kentucky team.”
— Herb Sendek, Head Coach, Santa Clara Broncos
The takeaway
While the loss is disappointing for Santa Clara, their competitive showing against Kentucky has generated excitement around the program and demonstrated their ability to play with the best teams in the country. The Broncos have a bright future ahead.
