Santa Clara fans are still reeling after one of the wildest finishes in recent NCAA tournament history, and it all comes down to a last-second controversy that has gone viral online.
With just 2.1 seconds left in regulation, Santa Clara’s Allen Graves drained a go-ahead three-pointer, giving the Broncos a three-point lead over seventh-seeded Kentucky. Sensing the urgency, head coach Herb Sendek sprinted down the sideline, calling for a timeout to organize his defense. But referee Todd Austin failed to recognize the timeout, allowing play to continue.
The result? Kentucky’s Otega Oweh received the inbound, raced up the court, and banked in a 32-foot game-tying shot at the buzzer — sending the game into overtime. Kentucky eventually pulled out an 89-84 victory, leaving Santa Clara fans furious.
“I unequivocally called timeout, but they didn’t grant it,” Sendek said after the game. “I think the video evidence is clear. After Allen hits the three, calling a timeout is a natural reaction, which I tried to do. But it wasn’t recognized.”
Video footage shows Sendek signaling for a timeout just before Kentucky inbounded the ball, but the referee didn’t stop play. Former Santa Clara coach Kerry Keating later offered advice on social media: “Make sure you are standing as close to half court as possible, NOT at the end of your bench. Refs can’t see you when the ball is past you!”
Had the timeout been granted, Santa Clara could have organized a foul to prevent a last-second three-pointer. Forward Elijah Mahi admitted that with so much chaos in the final seconds, the team didn’t even consider fouling.
Oweh, known for his clutch performances, made Santa Clara pay. Pulling up next to Kentucky coach Mark Pope, he launched the shot that tied the game, prompting Pope to recall hearing Oweh say, “That’s a bucket!” just as it swished through the net.
Oweh finished with 35 points, including two game-tying shots in the final moments. Center Brandon Garrison’s shot-blocking and interior defense also helped seal the win for Kentucky.
As Kentucky moves on to face the winner of Iowa State vs. Tennessee State, Santa Clara heads home after their first NCAA tournament appearance in 30 years. Sendek summed up the rollercoaster of emotions: “It was a really euphoric high, followed by a tough one to swallow.”
Fans on social media are still debating the missed timeout, with clips of Sendek’s gestures and Oweh’s miraculous shot spreading like wildfire. For Santa Clara supporters, the heartbreak is real — and the outrage is only growing.
