In a dramatic NCAA Tournament clash, Santa Clara's Herb Sendek claims he called a timeout before Kentucky's buzzer-beater that forced overtime. Despite Santa Clara's Allen Graves hitting a 3-pointer with just 2.4 seconds remaining, Kentucky's Otega Oweh launched a near-halfcourt shot to tie the game at 73. Kentucky eventually won in overtime, 89-84, leaving Santa Clara coach frustrated due to the referees not acknowledging his timeout request. This loss capped a strong season for Santa Clara, marking their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 30 years. Kentucky is set to face No. 2-seeded Iowa State next.

By the Numbers
  • Otega Oweh scored a game-high 35 points for Kentucky.
  • Santa Clara finished the season with a 26-9 record, their most wins in a single season under Sendek.
Yes, But

While Sendek insists clear evidence supports his timeout call, it raises questions about referee decisions in high-stakes moments. The absence of a review or acknowledgment could impact perceptions of officiating integrity.

State of Play
  • Santa Clara had their best season in decades but fell short in the tournament.
  • Kentucky progresses to face Iowa State after a thrilling overtime victory.
What's Next

Looking forward, Santa Clara will aim to build on this season's momentum, while Kentucky will seek to capitalize on their close call as they advance in the tournament.

Bottom Line

Santa Clara's credible performance highlights their potential for future seasons, while calls for improved officiating standards linger in the wake of critical game moments.