Kentucky Wildcats Secure First SEC Tournament Win Since 2022

Kentucky basketball is back in the win column at the SEC Tournament. After back-to-back early exits in the past two years, the Wildcats held off Oklahoma dramatically, securing an 85-84 victory in the second round on Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena. Otega Oweh once again proved to be the difference-maker, delivering the game-winning basket in the closing seconds. The win marked Kentucky’s first SEC Tournament triumph since 2022, when the Wildcats defeated Vanderbilt in a quarterfinal matchup.

A Fast Start, but a Familiar Battle

The Wildcats came out strong, jumping to an early lead behind hot shooting from Koby Brea and Andrew Carr. Kentucky started the game on an 8-0 run, forcing an early Oklahoma timeout. However, the Sooners quickly settled in, responding with a 10-0 run of their own to take their first lead of the night. The first half mirrored their regular-season matchup in Norman, with both teams trading blows in a high-intensity battle. Despite struggling with efficiency, Kentucky managed to take a 40-38 lead into halftime, thanks in part to Oweh and Brea’s scoring efforts.

Injuries Test Kentucky’s Depth

Kentucky received a boost with the return of Lamont Butler, who had been dealing with an injury. However, the good news was short-lived, as Butler aggravated his shoulder in the first half and did not return. His absence tested the Wildcats’ depth, forcing other players to step up in crucial moments. The injury news was another blow to Big Blue Nation, which had already learned of Jaxson Robinson’s season-ending injury earlier in the day.

Oweh Delivers in the Clutch—Again

Just as he did in the previous meeting between these teams, Oweh took over when it mattered most. The junior guard, who scored 28 points in Norman, put together another stellar performance, finishing with 27 points. With Kentucky trailing 84-83 in the final moments, Oweh took the inbounds pass, drove to the baseline, and scored the go-ahead layup with just 0.5 seconds remaining. His ability to attack the rim and finish under pressure once again proved decisive, ensuring Kentucky’s victory and extending its tournament run.

Brea’s Sharpshooting Keeps Kentucky in Control

While Oweh led the charge late, Koby Brea provided a consistent scoring presence throughout the game. The New York native finished with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting, including four three-pointers. His perimeter shooting kept Oklahoma’s defense on edge and allowed Kentucky to maintain control for much of the game.

Looking Ahead to the Quarterfinals

Though Kentucky led for over 34 minutes, the Sooners never allowed the Wildcats to pull away completely. After building a 12-point lead with under four minutes remaining, Kentucky saw Oklahoma surge back, setting up the thrilling finish. Now, the Wildcats (22-10) turn their attention to a quarterfinal matchup against third-seeded Alabama. The game is set for Friday night at 9:30 p.m. ET, with Kentucky looking to build on its momentum and continue its SEC Tournament run.

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