NORMAN, Okla. — The encounter between Oklahoma and Kentucky was intensified by the presence of Otega Oweh, who faced relentless taunts from Oklahoma fans throughout the game. Nonetheless, the former Oklahoma guard delivered the final blow by scoring a career-high 28 points and securing the winning shot with an off-balance floater with just six seconds left on the clock, leading No. 17 Kentucky to an 83-82 triumph over his former team.
During his time at Oklahoma, Oweh was the team’s second-highest scorer, averaging 11.4 points per game before transferring. Heading into this season’s matchup against the Sooners, he was Kentucky’s top scorer, boasting an average of 15.7 points per game. The hostile crowd made their feelings clear, particularly when Oklahoma students labeled him a “traitor” during a free-throw attempt, yet Oweh channeled this energy positively, scoring Kentucky’s last 18 points of the game.
Even after the contest, some Oklahoma supporters continued to boo Oweh as he approached the court for a postgame interview. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked, “It’s a great feeling coming to your old space, getting a win. As a basketball player, it’s just cool to go in there, to have that.”
Oklahoma struggled to contain their former star, who racked up 23 points with an impressive 10-for-14 shooting performance in the second half alone. Oklahoma’s coach, Porter Moser, acknowledged his team’s effort but praised Kentucky and Oweh for their decisive plays as the game concluded. Jalon Moore, Oklahoma’s leading scorer of the night with 20 points, harbored no resentment, stating, “It was cool playing with Otega. It’s my brother. I wish him nothing but success. It’s good just coming at it — in there to compete, and that’s it.”
The victory marked Kentucky’s third road win of the season. Wildcats coach Mark Pope highlighted the significance of this challenging late-season test for his team, noting that they gained valuable experience and now recognize that they possess a player capable of thriving under pressure. “I do think our guys captured or had an experience tonight that they will call back on when we get in this, in a very similar game,” he said. “And so I love that. I love that we have it in our pocket.”
