Santa Clara, Kentucky Trade Thrilling 3s in NCAA Tourney Finish

Broncos' coach says timeout call was missed before Wildcats' buzzer-beater

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:19am

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In a wild finish to their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup, the 10th-seeded Santa Clara Broncos and 7th-seeded Kentucky Wildcats traded 3-pointers in the final seconds of regulation, with Kentucky's Otega Oweh hitting a buzzer-beater to force overtime. Though Santa Clara led twice early in the extra period, Kentucky pulled away late to win 89-84 and advance to the next round.

Why it matters

The dramatic sequence of shots in the final seconds of regulation will be long remembered, highlighting the unpredictable nature of March Madness. Santa Clara's near-upset of a college basketball powerhouse like Kentucky also demonstrates the parity in the tournament and the Broncos' ability to compete with top programs.

The details

With the game tied 70-70 and 9.9 seconds left, Oweh hit a runner to tie it for Kentucky. Santa Clara's Allen Graves then hit a 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds left to put the Broncos up 73-70, but Broncos coach Herb Sendek said his timeout call was missed. Oweh then raced down and banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime. Kentucky pulled away late in the extra period to win 89-84.

  • With 9.9 seconds left in regulation, the game was tied 70-70.
  • With 2.4 seconds left, Allen Graves hit a 3-pointer to put Santa Clara up 73-70.
  • As the clock expired, Otega Oweh hit a 3-pointer to tie the game and force overtime.

The players

Otega Oweh

A Kentucky Wildcats star who scored a career-high 35 points, including the game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime.

Allen Graves

A Santa Clara Broncos freshman who hit a 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds left to put the Broncos up 73-70 before Kentucky's buzzer-beater.

Herb Sendek

The Santa Clara Broncos head coach who said his timeout call was missed before Kentucky's game-tying shot.

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What they’re saying

“I unequivocally called timeout, but they didn't grant it. I think the video evidence was clear, and anybody is able to pull it up. Which is a likely response after Allen hits the 3 that the coach would be calling timeout to set the defense, which I tried to do, and was successful in doing, other than it wasn't acknowledged or recognized.”

— Herb Sendek, Santa Clara Broncos Head Coach

“I was just trying to get the ball out quick, and get as close as I could to the goal. I was looking at the clock the whole time. It was really just trying to get a shot off, and not let the season end.”

— Otega Oweh

“We worked day-in and day-out in practice. We competed every day. I'm glad we got what we deserved, getting to come here and play in March Madness. I wouldn't change it for the world. I'm just happy to be here and get to do it with these guys.”

— Allen Graves, Santa Clara Broncos Freshman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.