Earlier today, the seventh-seeded Kentucky Wildcats defeated the tenth-seeded Santa Clara Broncos in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by a margin of 89-84 in overtime. With a previous season of 26-8 and an appearance as the WCC runner-up, Santa Clara was a popular choice as an upset. Kentucky improved to 22–13 with the hard-fought victory, advancing to the Round of 32.
Santa Clara Keeps It Close
Kentucky was off to an initial 8-2 advantage, led by five straight points by senior Guard Otega Oweh. Although the Wildcats began fast, they had difficulties with turnovers. This allowed the Broncos to be comfortable in the game.
Both teams struggled from long range, combining for just 4-of-19 shooting from three-point range midway through the first half. Santa Clara made the most of it, and with a 10-3 run, briefly took the lead. At halftime, Elijah Mahi scored the most with 10 points, and Denzel Aberdeen dominated Kentucky with 8.
Back-and-Forth Battle
The second half featured multiple lead changes, as neither team was able to take control of the game. Santa Clara was only ahead, 54-53, with nine minutes left. The Broncos led 73-70, with the three-pointer from Allen Graves, with 2.4 seconds left. Half-court heroics from Oweh led to him banking in a game-tying shot at the buzzer, which led to the Wildcats and Broncos going to extra time.
Wildcats Seize Control In OT
On the lift of Oweh and his buzzer-beater, Kentucky took control at the beginning of overtime. An 8-0 run for UK established the mood, and Santa Clara was unable to counter that. Sash Gavalyugov scored a deep three-pointer to close the distance, but the Wildcats withstood the shot and won by 5 points.
Oweh emerged as the most impressive player with a career-high 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, the first since Larry Bird in 1979 to record that in an NCAA Tournament game.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Several other Wildcats contributed key performances
- Mouhamed Dioubate scored 17 points, which was an important front-court score.
- Aberdeen scored 16 points and provided consistent leadership throughout the game.
- Brandon Garrison made 10 points and blocked three shot attempts in overtime to secure the victory.
Next Challenge
Kentucky remains strong and composed, a factor that led to success in a close game. The Wildcats seized the critical opportunities, and the heroics of Oweh and the solid backup of his teammates led to the win.
