CATS OUTLAST SANTA CLARA IN OT THRILLER, ADVANCE WITH GRIT

ST. LOUIS, MO - Kentucky showed toughness when it mattered most, outlasting Santa Clara 89-84 in an overtime thriller Friday afternoon at the Enterprise Center.

This game was a battle from start to finish, featuring 20 lead changes and 12 ties. Santa Clara led 31-29 at halftime, and neither team could pull away in the second half. Kentucky needed a clutch three from Otega Oweh at the buzzer to force overtime, tying the game at 73.

From there, the Wildcats took control.

Oweh led the way with a dominant 35-point performance, consistently attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line. He also added 8 rebounds and 7 assists, doing a little bit of everything. Denzel Aberdeen chipped in 16 points, while Mouhamed Dioubate added 17 and provided key plays late.

Kentucky’s offense was efficient, shooting 50.8% from the field and scoring 44 points in the paint. Their speed also showed up with 18 fast break points.

Defensively, the Wildcats made winning plays in overtime. Kentucky finished with 11 blocks, protecting the rim and making it difficult for Santa Clara to score late. Brandon Garrison anchored the defense and made several key stops down the stretch.

Santa Clara was led by Elijah Mahi with 20 points and Allen Graves with 17, keeping things close with strong shooting and effort.

In the end, Kentucky’s physical play, defense, and composure in overtime made the difference.

With the win, Kentucky improves to 22-13 and moves on.

Austin Stuckey, The Stable -- Photo Credit: University of Kentucky Athletics