Full Breakdown
Otega Oweh's Buzzer-Beater Propels Kentucky Past Santa Clara in NCAA Tournament
3/22/2026, 8:46:22 PM
Dramatic Game-Tying Shot
In a thrilling first-round matchup of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Kentucky guard Otega Oweh made headlines with a remarkable 40-foot buzzer-beater that tied the game against Santa Clara at 70-70. This pivotal moment occurred just as Santa Clara's Allen Graves had given his team a 73-70 lead with a three-pointer, leaving only 2.4 seconds on the clock. Oweh's shot not only forced overtime but also helped Kentucky secure an 89-84 victory, allowing them to advance to the Round of 32.
Key Players and Contributions
Oweh's performance was exceptional, scoring a career-high 35 points, along with eight rebounds and seven assists. His contributions were crucial, particularly in the second half and overtime, where he scored 28 of his points. Denzel Aberdeen played a vital role in setting up Oweh's shot by quickly inbounding the ball after Santa Clara's lead, demonstrating awareness that prevented the opposing team from calling a timeout. Aberdeen's quick thinking allowed Oweh to get the shot off in time, showcasing teamwork under pressure.
Official Statements & Responses
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope praised Oweh's clutch performance, stating, "One of the things I was really proud of was there was no pause... Otega raced down the floor and said 'that's a bucket' and threw it in off the glass." Oweh himself reflected on the moment, saying, "I was just trying to get a shot off and just not wanting the season to end." Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek expressed frustration over the lack of a timeout, asserting, "I unequivocally called timeout... but they didn’t grant it."
Impact of the Moment
Oweh's shot has garnered significant attention, being labeled the shot of the tournament so far and earning the top spot on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays. This moment not only solidified Oweh's status as a standout player but also led to a new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Buffalo Wild Wings, celebrating his game-tying shot. The NCAA Tournament has seen a surge in NIL earnings, with men's basketball earnings reportedly increasing by 92% during this period.
What's Next for Kentucky
As Kentucky prepares to face No. 2 seed Iowa State in the next round, they will need to build on their momentum. Iowa State is coming off a dominant victory over Tennessee State, but may be without All-American Joshua Jefferson due to an ankle injury. Oweh emphasized the need for Kentucky to play their best, stating, "We just got to go out there and stick to our keys, protect the ball, and not get rattled."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Oweh's shot has been widely celebrated, there are differing opinions regarding the officiating during the final moments of the game. Coach Sendek's assertion that he called for a timeout contrasts with the officials' decision to allow play to continue, highlighting a potential area of contention in the game's conclusion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That’s a bucket.” — Otega Oweh, Kentucky Guard
- “Yeah. Well, I unequivocally called timeout,” — Herb Sendek, Santa Clara Coach
- “We all love this game. We all love playing with each other, and we’re a relentless group. We’ve been through the fire since the beginning of the season, so we never could quit. Always have to keep on fighting. When you put on his jersey, you’ve got to play with a different chip and edge on your shoulder, and we play with that for a full 40.” — Otega Oweh, Kentucky Guard
Oweh's buzzer-beater will be remembered as a defining moment in March Madness, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of the tournament.
