It wasn’t the prettiest win, but the Kentucky Wildcats got the job done. In their NCAA Tournament opener against the scrappy Troy Trojans, the Wildcats came away with a 76-57 victory that was closer than the final score suggests. And while there are certainly things that need cleaning up, one thing was clear: Otega Oweh is special.
Special enough to accomplish something Kentucky basketball hasn’t seen in March Madness since 1996.
According to CBS, Otega Oweh is the first Kentucky player with 20+ points, 8+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in an NCAA Tournament game since Walter McCarty in 1996.
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) March 22, 2025
Otega Oweh’s Record-Setting Night
Oweh led the Wildcats with a standout performance, finishing the night with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. That stat line made Oweh the first Kentucky player to post 20+ points, 8+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in an NCAA Tournament game since Walter McCarty did it during the Wildcats’ championship run in 1996. Yes, that team that cut down the nets.
It wasn’t just the numbers, though. It was the way Oweh dominated the game, flashing his versatility, athleticism, and high basketball IQ. Whether he was fighting for tough rebounds, finding his teammates for easy buckets, or slashing through the defense for his own scores, Oweh did it all.
The Game That Had Wildcat Fans Nervous
Make no mistake, Kentucky had some struggles. They allowed Troy to hang around longer than expected due to poor finishing at the rim and a lack of effort on the offensive glass. Kentucky didn’t grab their first offensive rebound until nearly four minutes into the second half. That’s not going to cut it if they want to make a deep run in March.
But Oweh’s play kept them steady. His aggressive drives to the basket, timely assists, and rebounding presence helped Kentucky maintain control when things got shaky. And when the Wildcats needed someone to stop the bleeding, Oweh answered the call.
Can This Team Go the Distance?
If history is any indicator, Oweh’s performance should have Wildcat fans excited. The last time a Kentucky player put up a 20-8-5 stat line in the tournament, it ended with the Wildcats hoisting the trophy. Could this year’s team do the same?
There’s still a lot of work to be done. Kentucky needs to clean up its play at the rim and rebound more effectively if they hope to survive against tougher competition. But with Oweh leading the way, anything seems possible.
For now, BBN can celebrate a win. And they can dream about how far Oweh can take them.