Kentucky Wildcats Claim First SEC Tournament Victory Since 2022
Kentucky basketball is back in the win column at the SEC Tournament. After consecutive early exits in the last two years, the Wildcats held off Oklahoma in dramatic fashion, securing an 85-84 win in the second round on Thursday evening at Bridgestone Arena. Otega Oweh once again proved to be the key player, hitting the game-winning basket in the final seconds. This victory marked Kentucky’s first SEC Tournament win since 2022, when they defeated Vanderbilt in the quarterfinals.
Strong Start, but a Familiar Battle
The Wildcats started strong, quickly gaining an early lead thanks to hot shooting from Koby Brea and Andrew Carr. Kentucky went on an 8-0 run, forcing Oklahoma to call a timeout early. However, the Sooners soon found their rhythm, answering with a 10-0 run to take their first lead of the game. The first half was a mirror image of their regular-season game in Norman, with both teams exchanging blows in an intense contest. Despite struggles with efficiency, Kentucky led 40-38 at halftime, thanks to contributions from Oweh and Brea.
Injuries Challenge Kentucky’s Depth
Kentucky got a boost with Lamont Butler’s return from injury. However, the good news was short-lived, as Butler re-injured his shoulder in the first half and didn’t return. His absence tested Kentucky’s depth, forcing other players to step up at key moments. The injury blow added to the disappointment for Big Blue Nation, which had already learned of Jaxson Robinson’s season-ending injury earlier in the day.
Oweh Delivers Again in the Clutch
Just like in the previous encounter between these teams, Oweh came through when it counted most. The junior guard, who scored 28 points in Norman, posted another strong performance with 27 points. With Kentucky trailing 84-83 in the final moments, Oweh took the inbounds pass, drove the baseline, and made the go-ahead layup with just 0.5 seconds remaining. His ability to finish under pressure was crucial, ensuring Kentucky’s victory and extending its tournament run.
Brea’s Shooting Keeps Kentucky in Control
While Oweh was the hero late in the game, Koby Brea provided a steady offensive presence throughout. The New York native finished with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting, including four three-pointers. His outside shooting kept Oklahoma’s defense on alert and allowed Kentucky to maintain control for much of the game.
Looking Ahead to the Quarterfinals
Although Kentucky led for over 34 minutes, Oklahoma never allowed the Wildcats to pull away completely. After building a 12-point lead with under four minutes left, Kentucky saw Oklahoma rally, setting up a dramatic finish. Now, the Wildcats (22-10) turn their focus to a quarterfinal clash with third-seeded Alabama. The game is scheduled for Friday night at 9:30 p.m. ET, with Kentucky hoping to build on their momentum and continue their SEC Tournament run.