Otega Oweh's Buzzer-Beater Thrills Kentucky Fans

Kentucky's star player hits a game-tying shot from half-court to force overtime in NCAA tournament win over Santa Clara.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:51am

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In a thrilling NCAA tournament game, Kentucky's Otega Oweh hit a buzzer-beating shot from half-court to tie the game against Santa Clara and force overtime. Oweh's 35-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance was historic, joining elite company in the NCAA record books. Kentucky fans erupted in celebration over the miraculous play that they'll never forget witnessing.

Why it matters

Oweh's shot was a signature moment in Kentucky basketball history, sparking wild celebrations among the Big Blue Nation fanbase. The game-tying heave capped off an incredible individual performance and showcased the drama and unpredictability that makes March Madness so captivating for college basketball fans.

The details

With Kentucky trailing Santa Clara 84-81 in the final seconds, Oweh launched a prayer from just past half-court that banked in at the buzzer to tie the game and force overtime. The Wildcats went on to win 89-84, advancing in the NCAA tournament. Oweh's stat line of 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists put him in elite company, joining only Oscar Robertson, Bill Bradley, and Larry Bird in accomplishing that feat in an NCAA tournament game.

  • The game-tying shot occurred as time expired in regulation on March 22, 2026.
  • Kentucky and Santa Clara were playing in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in St. Louis, Missouri.

The players

Otega Oweh

A star player for the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, Oweh hit a miraculous buzzer-beater from half-court to tie the game against Santa Clara and force overtime in the 2026 NCAA tournament.

Kentucky Wildcats

The men's basketball team from the University of Kentucky, one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country with numerous NCAA championships.

Santa Clara

The men's basketball team from Santa Clara University, who faced off against Kentucky in the 2026 NCAA tournament second round game.

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What they’re saying

“I was trying to get as close as possible, and I don't know… it just went in. It's March Madness, that's what kind of vibe it is, I ain't even gonna lie.”

— Otega Oweh, Kentucky Player

What’s next

Kentucky will advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, where they will face the winner of the game between Gonzaga and UCLA.

The takeaway

Otega Oweh's miraculous buzzer-beater exemplified the drama and excitement of March Madness, providing Kentucky fans with a moment they'll never forget. The shot capped off an historic individual performance and showcased the unpredictable nature of the NCAA tournament, where anything can happen on any given day.