From the opening minutes in Catlanta, this didn’t feel like just another neutral-site win for Kentucky. There was a different edge, a different rhythm, and a sense that something had finally fallen into place. By the time the Wildcats pulled away for a 78–66 win over St. John’s in the CBS Sports Classic, it was clear — this version of Kentucky looks far more dangerous.
The biggest reason? Otega Oweh.
In a game packed with talking points — Jayden Quaintance’s long-awaited debut, Jaland Lowe’s second-half return, and Kam Williams providing a scoring spark — it was Oweh who quietly stabilized everything. Fully healthy and playing with confidence, he delivered his most complete performance of the season and looked unmistakably like the player Kentucky leaned on a year ago.
Oweh finished with a team-high 20 points, attacking relentlessly and living at the free-throw line, where he knocked down 8 of 9 attempts. He added five rebounds, three steals, and an assist while logging 34 hard minutes. His impact was especially evident after halftime, as Kentucky tightened the screws defensively and gradually took control. Oweh was a +12 in the second half, a reflection of how much steadier the Wildcats looked with him on the floor.
“He is a unique player,” head coach Mark Pope said after the game. “When he does what he does, he has such a massive impact on the team.”
That impact has been building. After battling a lingering turf toe injury throughout the offseason, Oweh now appears fully healthy. Since the North Carolina game earlier this month, his aggression and confidence have steadily returned. Over his last five games, he’s averaging 16.6 points, attacking the rim with purpose and defending at a high level.
And that’s where things start to click for Kentucky.
With Oweh setting the tone defensively and creating pressure downhill, the Wildcats suddenly look more connected. The offense flows better. The spacing improves. The defense feeds the transition game. Instead of searching for an identity, Kentucky looked like a team that knew exactly what it wanted to be.
Saturday’s win marked Kentucky’s second marquee victory of the season, but it felt bigger than that. It felt like a turning point. With key pieces finally available and roles beginning to solidify, the Wildcats are starting to resemble a team that can threaten anyone on the schedule.
If this version of Otega Oweh is here to stay, Kentucky’s ceiling rises dramatically — and for the first time in a while, you could feel it almost immediately.
