Otega Oweh hit the winning shot against his former school again, sinking a baseline jumper with 0.5 left to lift Kentucky past Oklahoma

Otega Oweh Hits Game-Winning Shot Against Former School, Lifting Kentucky Past Oklahoma

In a thrilling NCAA basketball game that will be remembered by both fans and players alike, Otega Oweh stepped up in the clutch and delivered a dramatic, game-winning shot to secure a hard-fought victory for the Kentucky Wildcats. With only 0.5 seconds left on the clock, Oweh sank a contested baseline jumper, lifting Kentucky past the Oklahoma Sooners in a showdown that had all the intensity and emotion of March Madness. For Oweh, it was a moment of redemption and closure, as he faced his former school and provided his new team with a huge win at a critical point in the season.

The Build-Up to the Game

The matchup between Kentucky and Oklahoma wasn’t just another regular-season contest—it was a game filled with personal stakes, especially for Oweh. The sophomore guard had played his freshman year at Oklahoma before transferring to Kentucky, and as expected, emotions ran high as he stepped onto the court to face his former team. For Oweh, it wasn’t just about winning; it was about proving that his decision to leave Oklahoma for a new chapter at Kentucky had been the right one. The storylines surrounding Oweh’s return to Oklahoma added an extra layer of drama to an already high-stakes game.

For both teams, the game had significant implications. Kentucky entered the contest with a solid record, but they were far from invincible. With the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the Wildcats were looking for a statement win that would solidify their tournament hopes and give them momentum going into the postseason. Oklahoma, on the other hand, was fighting for their tournament life. With a relatively inconsistent season, the Sooners were desperate for quality wins to improve their resume, and knocking off a powerhouse like Kentucky would have been a massive achievement for their program.

The First Half: Tension and Defensive Battles

From the opening tip, it was clear that this game was going to be a dogfight. Both teams came out with high intensity, and the defensive effort on both sides was relentless. Kentucky, known for its physical defense and aggressive play style under head coach John Calipari, looked to impose their will early on, while Oklahoma, under head coach Porter Moser, was determined to slow the game down and take advantage of Kentucky’s defensive lapses.

Oweh’s return to Oklahoma brought with it a level of attention, and the Sooners’ defense was keyed in on him from the very beginning. They knew that Oweh was capable of explosive plays, and they focused on limiting his touches and forcing him into difficult shots. Despite the defensive attention, Oweh was able to contribute in other areas. He moved well off the ball, set up his teammates, and found ways to get involved in the game even when his scoring opportunities were limited.

As the first half unfolded, the game became a back-and-forth battle of wills. Kentucky’s size and athleticism gave them the upper hand in the paint, but Oklahoma’s shooters, including Tanner Groves and Jalen Hill, kept the game tight with their ability to knock down perimeter shots. The Sooners weren’t going to let Kentucky run away with the game, and they fought tooth and nail to keep it close.

Oweh struggled to get clean looks in the first half, with Oklahoma’s defense pushing him to take contested shots. Despite his challenges, Oweh showed the maturity of a seasoned player, refusing to force things and trusting in his teammates. His ability to create opportunities for others helped Kentucky maintain a narrow lead throughout much of the first half. The Wildcats were not playing their best basketball, but they were scrappy enough to hold off Oklahoma’s advances.

As the first half came to a close, Kentucky held a slim lead, but it was clear that this game was far from decided. Both teams had displayed moments of brilliance but also periods of inconsistency. With the score tied at 35-35, everything was up for grabs in the second half.

The Second Half: Oweh’s Determination

The second half of the game started off much like the first: physical, defensive, and full of tension. However, it became clear that Oweh was starting to find his rhythm. After a quiet first half, he began to assert himself offensively, attacking the basket with confidence and hitting mid-range jumpers. He had a point to prove, and he knew that this game was his chance to shine on a big stage.

Oklahoma wasn’t backing down either. As the game progressed, the Sooners found their own momentum, with Elijah Harkless playing a crucial role as a defensive stopper and scorer. Oklahoma’s offense started to flow better in the second half, and they took a small lead midway through the period. Kentucky was forced to play catch-up, and their offense struggled at times to find a rhythm. The Sooners’ defense was frustrating the Wildcats, who couldn’t seem to get easy baskets.

But Oweh wasn’t about to let his team falter. With his leadership and scoring ability, he kept Kentucky within striking distance. He hit a key three-pointer to tie the game, followed by a beautiful drive to the hoop that gave Kentucky the lead. Every time Oklahoma looked like they were about to seize control of the game, Oweh would respond with a clutch play.

As the game neared its final minutes, the tension in the building was palpable. Fans of both teams were on the edge of their seats, knowing that a single play could determine the outcome. With less than a minute to play, the score was tied at 72-72, and it seemed as though overtime was inevitable.

But Oweh had other plans.

The Final Play: Oweh’s Game-Winner

With just 10 seconds remaining, Kentucky had possession of the ball. The Wildcats had struggled offensively throughout the second half, but now they had a chance to win the game in regulation. Head coach John Calipari called a timeout to set up the final play. The strategy was clear: get the ball to Oweh, let him create, and see if he could deliver the knockout blow.

Out of the timeout, Oweh took the ball at the top of the key and began to work against Oklahoma’s defense. The Sooners were desperate to stop him, sending a double team his way as he dribbled towards the baseline. Oweh kept his cool, evading the defense with a quick spin move and getting into position for a baseline jumper. As the clock wound down, Oweh rose up over his defender, releasing the ball with perfect form.

The shot hung in the air, seemingly suspended in time as the buzzer approached.

Swish.

The ball sailed through the net, and the Kentucky bench erupted in celebration. Oweh had done it—he had hit the game-winning shot against his former school, sealing a dramatic 74-72 victory for the Wildcats. The fans at the arena, a mixture of Kentucky supporters and those who had hoped for an Oklahoma upset, roared in disbelief. Oweh’s teammates rushed to congratulate him as the Sooners stood in stunned silence.

For Oweh, it was a moment of redemption. After a season filled with ups and downs, he had delivered the clutch shot that his team desperately needed. He had faced his former school, in front of a crowd that included old friends and familiar faces, and had made the biggest play of the game. It was a shot that not only secured Kentucky’s victory but also solidified Oweh’s place as a key player for the Wildcats.

Post-Game Reactions: A Hero’s Moment

After the game, Oweh was understandably elated. “It feels great,” he said with a smile, speaking to reporters. “Coming back here, playing against my old team, and hitting that shot—it’s special. But more than anything, I’m just happy we got the win. This was a huge game for us, and we needed it. My teammates did a great job of putting me in the position to make that play, and I’m glad I was able to come through for them.”

Head coach John Calipari praised Oweh for his poise under pressure. “Otega is a special player,” Calipari said. “He’s been through a lot this season, but he’s continued to work and stay focused. That last play was a testament to his growth as a player and as a leader. I’m proud of him, and I know this is just the beginning for him.”

For Oklahoma, it was a heartbreaking defeat. The Sooners had played an inspired game, with several players stepping up to keep them in the contest. Despite the loss, coach Porter Moser remained optimistic. “We played hard, and we gave ourselves a chance to win,” Moser said. “Oklahoma basketball is about toughness and resiliency, and I’m proud of the effort our guys showed. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”

The Impact of the Game on Both Teams

For Kentucky, the win over Oklahoma was more than just a thrilling finish—it was a critical victory that could have long-term implications for their postseason chances. As the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament approach, momentum is key, and this win gave the Wildcats a much-needed boost of confidence. Oweh’s performance, particularly in the clutch, highlighted his importance to the team as they gear up for the tournament. His ability to step up in high-pressure moments will be crucial if Kentucky hopes to make a deep run in March Madness.

For Oklahoma, the loss was painful, but not all hope was lost. They had shown that they could compete with one of the nation’s top teams, and their resilience in staying close to Kentucky until the final buzzer will give them confidence moving forward. The Sooners will need to regroup and focus on finishing their season strong, hoping to earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.