Santa Clara loses to Kentucky 84-89 in overtime at NCAA 2026

Kentucky Wildcats defeated Santa Clara Broncos 89 to 84 in overtime, in a game in the first round of the Torneio of the NCAA 2026. The match took place this Friday, March 20, at Enterprise Center, at St. Louis, Missouri, starting at 12:15 ET (local time). Os Wildcats, seed 7, advanced to the next stage after escaping an upset. Santa Clara, seed 10, finished the season with 26 wins, but failed to achieve their first tournament win since 1996.

The game remained balanced during the regulation 40 minutes. Santa Clara led at halftime 31-29 and maintained the advantage until the final seconds. In regulation, Allen Graves hit a three-pointer with 2.4 seconds left, putting Broncos ahead 73-70.

Highlight of Oweh in victory

Otega Oweh was the main name of Kentucky. Ele scored 35 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 7 assists. Sua performance included the decisive shot at the end of normal time and constant contributions in overtime. Oweh led the Wildcats attack at crucial moments.

Kentucky also had solid defense in the extra minutes. The team limited Santa Clara’s offensive options and converted important free throws. Brandon Garrison contributed with key defensive actions in the final moments of the overtime.

Wildcats overcame Santa Clara’s pressure in the lane and in transitions. The victory raised the team’s record to 22 victories for the season.

left it all on the floor

thank you bronco nation for an incredible season❤️#StampedeAhead pic.twitter.com/5QJdkWncZO

— Santa Clara Men’s Basketball (@SantaClaraHoops)March 20, 2026

Santa Clara performance

Santa Clara maintained an efficient offensive rhythm throughout the game. The team hit well and explored medium and long distance shots. Os Broncos forced Kentucky to make mistakes and led for much of the second half.

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Despite the defeat, the campaign marked Santa Clara’s return to the tournament after 30 years. Herb Sendek, coach of Broncos, recently completed 600 career victories. The team showed competitiveness against a traditional opponent.

Extension details

In overtime, Kentucky opened the lead with consecutive baskets. The team scored 16 points against 11 from Broncos in the extra period. Santa Clara tried to react, but was unable to contain the opponent’s momentum with rebounds and shots.

The final result was 89 to 84 for Kentucky. Os Wildcats advance to face the winner between Iowa State and Tennessee State in the second round of Midwest Region.

Context of the teams’ season

Santa Clara finished 26-9 on the season overall. The team won 15 games in the West Coast Conference and reached the final of the league tournament. The attack stood out for its efficiency in possession and offensive rebounds.

Kentucky entered at 21-13 overall. Os Wildcats received an at-large invitation as seed 7 after an irregular campaign in the SEC. The victory avoided an early elimination and kept the team alive in the tournament.