Otega Oweh nails a desperation shot to force overtime in NCAA Tournament instant classic

For a moment, it was over.

Santa Clara had done everything right. The Broncos hit a clutch three with just two seconds left, grabbed a 73-70 lead, and were on the verge of one of the biggest wins in program history. You could see it on their bench. Players starting to rise, coaches leaning forward, the belief already setting in.

Then March Madness did what it always does.

No timeout. No time to think. Just one last chance.

The ball found Otega Oweh, and he didn’t hesitate. From well beyond the arc, with the clock about to expire and the season slipping away, he launched a 32-foot shot that felt more like hope than design.

It dropped clean through the net.

Tie game. 73-73. The season was still alive for the Kentucly Wildcats.

Just like that, everything changed.

One shot flipped everything

There’s no clean way to explain moments like this. It’s not about perfect execution or drawing up the right play. It’s about instinct, confidence, and a willingness to take the shot when everything is on the line.

Santa Clara played a strong, composed game. They made big shots, controlled stretches, and handled the pressure of the moment. When Allen Graves hit that go-ahead three, it felt like the story was written.

But in this tournament, nothing is final until the clock hits zero.

And sometimes, not even then.

It certainly sent St. Louis into a frenzy, and seemingly energized the Kentucky Wildcats.

Cats in the End

Overtime went the way of the Wildcats and Big Blue Nation was granted the rest of the weekend in the Gateway City. Oweh finished the game with 35 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in the 89-84 win.

It also may have saved Mark Pope's job in Lexington.