Otega Oweh delivered another unforgettable moment for Kentucky basketball, lifting the Wildcats to a dramatic 85-84 victory over Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament. Big Blue Nation went from heartbreak to jubilation in a matter of seconds as Oweh redeemed himself after late-game turnovers by sinking the game-winning shot.
Kentucky led by six with 41 seconds left but struggled to close, committing three costly turnovers that fueled a 7-0 Oklahoma run. Oweh had two of those turnovers and was defending when Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears hit a go-ahead bucket with just under six seconds to play. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, Oweh embodied Kentucky’s “next play mentality” and drove to the basket for the game-winner.
“I had two turnovers. I don’t know why it had to play out like that, but Coach always preaches next play mentality. That’s how I was thinking,” Oweh said postgame.
Head coach Mark Pope praised Oweh’s resilience and growth, emphasizing how the team overcame adversity, including losing key player Lamont Butler to injury in the first half. “I couldn’t be more proud of Otega. He’s a microcosm of our whole team. If you’re going to beat us, you’re gonna have to kill us,” Pope said.
The thrilling victory was a much-needed boost for Kentucky fans, who have endured postseason heartbreak in recent years. Oweh’s heroics not only kept the Wildcats alive in the tournament but also reignited excitement in Big Blue Nation.
“There is no fan base like this in the world,” Pope said. “Otega gets to wear this across his chest, I get to wear it on my chest, and we get to be a part of this family. There’s nothing like it.”
With the Wildcats advancing, all eyes are now on their next challenge in the SEC Tournament. Can they build on this momentum and make a deep run?
