Kentucky pulled off a thrilling 85-84 victory over Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament, thanks to Otega Oweh’s game-winning shot. Oweh, a former Sooner, had a career-high 28 points, including 21 of Kentucky’s last 23, and became the only Division I player this century to score 25+ points and hit a game-winner in two separate one-point wins against the same opponent in a season.
The Wildcats almost let the game slip away, committing three turnovers in the final moments, but Oweh’s heroics sealed the win. The victory came despite missing key players like Lamont Butler, who aggravated a left shoulder injury and was forced to exit in the first half. Coach Mark Pope expressed his disappointment for Butler, calling it a “gut punch.”
Kentucky now prepares to face Alabama in the quarterfinals, entering as a 5.5-point underdog. The Crimson Tide, under Nate Oats, are seeking their third SEC Tournament title in five years. The game is set for Thursday at 9:30 p.m. EST on the SEC Network.
Thursday’s SEC Tournament action was packed with excitement, including Sean Pedulla’s clutch three-pointer to lift Ole Miss over Arkansas and Texas surviving a double-overtime battle against Buzz Williams’ team. Missouri also secured a win over Mississippi State.
The tournament schedule for Friday includes:
– Game 9:Auburn vs. Ole Miss (1 p.m. ET, ESPN)
– Game 10:Tennessee vs. Texas (25 minutes after Game 9, ESPN)
– Game 11: Florida vs. Missouri (7 p.m. ET, SECN)
– Game 12:Alabama vs. Kentucky (25 minutes after Game 11, SECN)
Kentucky fans can follow the game through the KSR Live Blog or the UK Sports Network. The Wildcats will need another inspired performance to upset Alabama, especially with Butler’s status uncertain.
