Otega Oweh just had the game of his life in Kentucky's first-round March Madness win over Santa Clara. Not only did the senior hit a half-court prayer to send the team into overtime, but he accomplished a feat not seen since Indiana State legend Larry Bird in 1979.

Oweh led the Wildcats with a career-high 35 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in their 89-84 victory. In doing so, he became the first player to record that stat line since Bird in 1979, according to CBS Sports' David Cobb.

Bird posted 35 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists in Indiana State's Final Four win over DePaul. Those numbers went untouched for nearly five decades before Oweh's big game on Friday.

Oweh has been Kentucky's captain all season, making it only fitting that he saved its season to keep the Wildcats dancing. They appeared to be doomed when Santa Clara's Allen Graves hit a go-ahead triple with 2.4 seconds remaining, only for Oweh to bank in a prayer from just inside halfcourt to send the game into overtime.

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Oweh saved Kentucky from yet another premature March Madness exit with his buzzer-beater and overall dominant effort. Although the Wildcats made the Sweet Sixteen in 2025, they had not advanced past opening weekend in either of the previous four seasons.

Oweh's big game gets him back on track after a 10-point dud against Kentucky in the SEC Tournament. He has otherwise scored at least 20 points in 13 of his last 16 games.

Kentucky had three other players in double figures to complement Oweh. Denzel Aberdeen put up 16 points, while Brandon Garrison and Mouhamed Dioubate combined for 27 off the bench.

In his final year with Kentucky, Oweh continues to expand his legacy at one of college basketball's most storied programs.