Kentucky Basketball guard Otega Oweh looked every bit like his old self again Saturday, playing a pivotal role in the Wildcats’ 78–66 win over St. John’s in the CBS Sports Classic in Catlanta. In a game filled with storylines with Jaland Lowe’s second-half return, Jayden Quaintance’s long-awaited debut, and Kam Williams’ offensive spark, it was Oweh’s steady, two-way impact that stood out most.
Oweh led Kentucky with 20 points on 6-of-17 shooting, living at the free-throw line where he knocked down 8 of 9 attempts. He added five rebounds, three steals, and an assist in 34 minutes, finishing +12 during his 17 second-half minutes as Kentucky pulled away late. It was the kind of performance that Wildcats fans became accustomed to last season, with him being aggressive, physical, and relentless.
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“He is a unique player,” head coach Mark Pope said postgame. “When he does what he does, he has such a massive impact on the team.”
Since the UNC game earlier this month, Oweh has clearly turned a corner. After dealing with a lingering turf toe injury over the summer, he now looks fully healthy and confident, attacking the rim and defending at a high level. Over his last five games, Oweh has averaged 16.6 points, showing consistency against quality competition.
Kentucky’s win over St. John’s marked its second marquee victory of the season, and Oweh’s resurgence is a major reason why the Wildcats are beginning to find their identity. If this version of Oweh is here to stay, Kentucky’s ceiling rises significantly as the season moves forward.
