Sports can bring out a specific, indescribable array of emotions in a way that not much else in life can.
On Friday afternoon in St. Louis, thanks to Otega Oweh’s game-tying prayer from beyond half-court, Kentucky fans were treated to a moment that they’ll likely never forget. It was one wild ride battling Santa Clara down to the wire, whether you were inside Enterprise Arena, watching at home/work, or perhaps simply listening to Tom Leach and Jack Givens on the radio. It was a true “I’ll always remember
where I was” event.
There have been numerous miraculous plays over the long history of Kentucky basketball, but maybe none as well-documented from a fan perspective as Otega Oweh’s shot. With cameras floating around everywhere these days, it offered some absolutely great content once the dust had settled and UK escaped with an 89-84 win over Santa Clara.
Oweh’s 35-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance was not only impressive, but it was also historical. #00 joined Oscar Robertson, Bill Bradley, and Larry Bird as the only players to ever accomplish this in an NCAA tournament game. When putting it into perspective, it really is hard to digest just how unbelievable his contributions were.
“I was trying to get as close as possible, and I don’t know… it just went in. It’s March Madness, that’s what kind of vibe it is, I ain’t even gonna lie.“
And it was a vibe indeed! Shout-out to all the teachers in the Commonwealth who kept their priorities in order and let their young students watch a game they’ll never forget.
See below for reactions from around the country as Kentucky fans collectively rejoiced after Otega Oweh’s heave from beyond half-court banked in.
