Otega Oweh’s Clutch Shot Rescues Kentucky in 2026 March Madness Day 2

Bassyonni

Published: March 20, 2026 3:51 PM ET

The 2026 NCAA Men’s March Madness tournament has kicked off, showcasing thrilling games and unexpected twists. Day 2 brought 16 new matchups as teams aimed to secure their spots in the Round of 32. The tournament is renowned for its surprises, and this year’s round hasn’t disappointed.

Otega Oweh’s Clutch Shot Rescues Kentucky

In a tense battle, No. 7 seed Kentucky triumphed over No. 10 seed Santa Clara with a final score of 89-84. The game featured a dramatic finish, with Otega Oweh hitting a last-second three-pointer to equalize at 73-73, forcing the game into overtime.

Key Moments

Santa Clara led 73-70 after an Allen Graves three-pointer.
Kentucky had no timeouts and relied on Oweh’s late shot.
Oweh finished the game with an impressive 35 points.

During overtime, Santa Clara struggled offensively, attempting nine three-pointers but only converting three. Conversely, Kentucky capitalized on its inside game, securing the win and advancing further in the tournament.

Other Highlights from March Madness Day 2

Texas Tech Defeats Akron

No. 5 seed Texas Tech faced No. 12 seed Akron, winning decisively 91-71. The Red Raiders remained in control throughout the game, with guard Christian Anderson playing a pivotal role. His second-half dunk pushed Texas Tech’s lead to 11.

Amani Lyles led Akron with 26 points, but their inability to finish inside hampered their efforts early in the game.

Alabama vs. Hofstra Preview

The match between No. 4 seed Alabama and No. 13 seed Hofstra generated considerable intrigue. Alabama, missing star guard Aden Holloway due to legal issues, relies on Labaron Philon Jr. and others to compensate. Meanwhile, Hofstra brings a sturdy duo in Cruz Davis and Preston Edmead, making this matchup particularly interesting.

Upcoming Matchups

Other notable matchups include:

No. 8 Villanova vs. No. 9 Utah State
No. 6 Tennessee vs. No. 11 Miami (Ohio)
No. 8 Clemson vs. No. 9 Iowa
No. 7 UCLA vs. No. 10 UCF
No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 13 California Baptist

This year’s March Madness is proving to be filled with excitement and unpredictability, as teams continue to battle fiercely for advancement in the tournament.