Otega Oweh was unstoppable on Wednesday night, leading Kentucky to an 87-82 victory over LSU in the first round of the Southeastern Conference tournament. The Wildcats star recorded 23 points and eight rebounds, dominating both ends of the floor while helping Kentucky maintain control with just five turnovers.
Brandon Garrison provided a spark off the wing, scoring 17 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting performance, including two clutch 3-pointers that shifted momentum in the second half. New recruit Denzel Aberdeen also made a strong impression, contributing 16 points and providing Kentucky with scoring balance. For LSU, Max Mackinnon led the Tigers with 28 points, while Michael Nwoko added 16 points and pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds, keeping LSU within striking distance throughout.
Kentucky (20-10) will face Missouri in the SEC Tournament’s second round. The Tigers previously edged Kentucky 73-68 in a January 7 matchup, meaning the Wildcats will be looking for revenge as they continue their postseason run.
The Wildcats’ shooting was impressive, connecting on 50% from the field and 73.9% from the free-throw line. The first half was tightly contested, with neither team able to pull away. Kentucky faced early foul trouble as Malachi Moreno picked up his second foul just five minutes in and sat the remainder of the period, while Mouhamed Dioubate was hit with a Flagrant 1 with 8:07 left, leaving him scoreless in the opening half. These absences allowed Nwoko to thrive in the paint, scoring 13 first-half points and grabbing six rebounds.
Kentucky’s fortunes shifted after halftime. The Wildcats began to pull ahead when Brandon Garrison, who had struggled from 3-point range all season, nailed back-to-back triples and followed with a key steal that led to a fast-break basket by Aberdeen. That sequence extended Kentucky’s lead to 73-64 with 9:29 remaining and seemed to break LSU’s momentum.
The closing minutes were tense. Garrison committed an offensive foul with 2:10 left, giving LSU, down 81-76, a window to mount a comeback. But Mackinnon’s critical turnover on the Tigers’ next possession handed the ball back to Kentucky. On the ensuing play, Oweh showcased his clutch abilities: he grabbed his own rebound and calmly sank a mid-range jumper with 1:12 remaining, giving the Wildcats a seven-point lead that ultimately sealed the win.
Another storyline of the night was the return of Kam Williams, who entered the game 14 minutes into the first half after missing 12 games due to a foot injury. Williams’ presence provided Kentucky with stability and added depth, which proved vital during periods of foul trouble for Moreno and Dioubate.
Kentucky’s victory was a combination of disciplined ball control, timely shooting, and dominant individual performances. Oweh’s late-game heroics have quickly made him a fan favorite, while Garrison’s unexpected 3-point barrage provided the spark that allowed the Wildcats to separate themselves from a determined LSU squad.
With this win, Kentucky advances to face Missouri in what promises to be another thrilling SEC Tournament matchup. If the Wildcats continue playing with this mix of talent and poise, they may be a team to watch as the postseason unfolds.
