Kentucky Survives Santa Clara in OT Thriller: Oweh’s Beyond-Half-Court Buzzer-Beater Sends Wildcats to 89–84 Win

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (March 20, 2026) — In a game that instantly earned a spot on the March highlight reel, seventh-seeded Kentucky outlasted tenth-seeded Santa Clara, 89–84 in overtime, at Enterprise Center on CBS.

Kentucky needed extra time after Otega Oweh delivered the moment of the day: a banked-in three from beyond half-court as time expired to tie it 73–73 and force OT.

A game of runs—and answers

Santa Clara came in fearless, matching Kentucky’s physicality and shot-making possession for possession. Every time the Wildcats threatened to create breathing room, the Broncos answered—often from deep—keeping the game tight deep into the second half.

The late sequence was pure March chaos: Allen Graves drilled a three with :03 left (assisted by Sash Gavalyugov) to give Santa Clara a brief lead, only for Oweh’s miracle heave to bank in from beyond half-court and erase it, igniting the crowd and forcing overtime.

The numbers that decided it (real-game snapshot)

• Final: Kentucky 89, Santa Clara 84(OT)

• Halftime: Santa Clara 31, Kentucky 29

• Regulation: Tied 73–73 (Kentucky outscored Santa Clara 44–42 in the second half)

• Overtime: Kentucky 16, Santa Clara 11

• Star of the finish: Otega Oweh — 35 points (3–8 3PT), 8 rebounds, 7 assists, plus the game-tying beyond-half-court buzzer-beater that forced OT

• Decisive stretch: Kentucky used an 8–0 run early in OT to seize control and pull away

Kentucky’s edge when it mattered

Santa Clara’s poise and perimeter shooting made this a true 7-vs-10 nail-biter, but Oweh’s star power—and the Wildcats’ ability to clinch the extra period—ultimately separated them.

Final takeaway

It wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t comfortable—but it was unforgettable. Kentucky advances after an 89–84 overtime survival, while Santa Clara exits with a performance that proved it belonged on this stage.

Game Info: 12:15 PM ET, March 20, 2026 — Enterprise Center (St. Louis, MO)Where to Watch: CBSOfficiating Crew: Tony Padilla, Steve McJunkins, Todd AustinUp Next: Kentucky advances to face the winner of Iowa State vs. Tennessee State (March 21/22, 2026).