Nashville, TN – March 13, 2025 – Matthew Hudson
Big Blue Nation can and will take over any arena that the Kentucky Wildcats are playing in. Sitting in Bridgestone Arena and 2/3 of the crowd were wearing UK blue. After the dismal showings in post-season play the last few years, BBN is craving a win. Kentucky fell to Texas A&M 97-87 last year after entering the tournament as the No. 2 seed and to Vanderbilt 80-73 in 2023 as the No. 3 Seed.
The Cats came out hot and had a 12-3 lead just three minutes into the game, seeming to feed off the excitement of the crowd. Things evened out quickly as the Sooners got into rhythm offensively. The first half saw six lead changes and three ties. Oweh and Brea carried the bulk of the offensive load for the Cats, combining for 23 of the 40 first half points.
Lamont Butler seemed to reinjure his shoulder in the first half and didn’t return to the bench for the second half. Coach Pope stated Butler would be getting more imaging on his shoulder to check the severity of the injury. The first few minutes of the second half started off sluggish as neither team could get into their offense effectively.
This game turned into a battle as both teams refused to go down without a fight. Kentucky is able to get a 7-point lead but it last less than a minute before the Sooners strike back.
Finally with 7 minutes left in the game Kentucky is able to string together a few baskets and defensive stops. An 11-0 run in less than 2 minutes of game time totally changes the feel of the game. Kentucky now leads 77-65.
Oklahoma stays patient and is able to slowly chip away at the lead, cutting it to just five with one minute remaining. The game is stretched out by Oklahoma by forcing Kentucky to make their free throws. The plans work as the Sooners take the lead with only six seconds remaining.
Otega Oweh saves the day! Drives the full length of the court and puts it in with .5 seconds left on the clock.
The Wildcats play the Alabama Crimson Tide Friday at 9:30 PM in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals.
