In a thrilling encounter on February 26, 2025, the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats edged out the Oklahoma Sooners with a narrow 83-82 victory at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma. The standout performance of the night came from junior guard Otega Oweh, who delivered a career-high 28 points, including an impressive 23 points in the second half. Remarkably, Oweh scored 21 of Kentucky’s final 23 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and clutch play under pressure.
Oweh’s return to Oklahoma, where he began his collegiate career, added an emotional layer to the contest. Despite facing a hostile crowd, he remained composed and focused, leading his team to victory. His decisive layup with six seconds remaining secured the win for the Wildcats, and a crucial block on Oklahoma’s final shot attempt sealed the outcome.
Head coach Mark Pope praised Oweh’s performance, highlighting his ability to stay present and make critical decisions during high-pressure moments. Pope noted, “One of the great things about O is he is just in the moment. He’s pretty good at being present.”
The game was not without controversy. In the aftermath of the Wildcats’ victory, an incident occurred where a beer can was thrown at Kentucky players as they exited the court. The University of Oklahoma has initiated an investigation into the matter, seeking to identify the individual responsible for the unsportsmanlike conduct.
This victory improves Kentucky’s overall record to 19-9 and 8-7 in the Southeastern Conference, bolstering their position as they approach the postseason. The Wildcats’ next challenge is a highly anticipated matchup against top-ranked Auburn at Rupp Arena. With Oweh’s leadership and the team’s resilience, Kentucky aims to carry this momentum fo
rward.
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