Otega Oweh Returns to Oklahoma as Kentucky Faces Sooners

LEXINGTON, Ky. — No. 17 Kentucky is set to face the Oklahoma Sooners on Wednesday night at 9 p.m. ET, marking a significant homecoming for Wildcats guard Otega Oweh. Oweh spent his first two college seasons with Oklahoma before transferring to Kentucky, where he has emerged as a key player.

Oweh’s prior experience under Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser included a freshman season where he averaged 4.8 points over 28 games, escalating to 11.4 points per game as a sophomore. Ahead of the matchup, he expressed a mix of excitement and determination. “I’m excited but I’m just treating it like every other game,” he said. “Another game that we have to win, so I’m looking at it like that.”

The 6-foot-6 guard also emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and not placing undue pressure on the game against his former team. “It’s important. Since the beginning of the season, I’ve been trying to focus on one game at a time and putting all of my effort into each game. I’m looking at (this game) the same,” Oweh stated.

As Kentucky seeks redemption following a 96-83 loss to No. 4 Alabama last Saturday, they aim to address inconsistencies that have plagued them throughout the season. Oweh believes correcting energy levels and pride within the team will be vital to their success. “I think that’s stuff we have to fix. It’s more of an energy thing and a pride thing,” he reflected. “We have to do a better job as players of keeping our energy up.”

Oklahoma, fresh off a win over Mississippi State, presents a new challenge for Kentucky. Oweh noted that this year’s Sooners team is vastly different from the one he previously played with. “It’s a brand new team. I know Coach Moser, he’s a big X’s and O’s guy, so he’s going to make sure he does his research. We just have to be ready to fight,” he said.

In terms of history, Kentucky has never played in Oklahoma, but they hold a 3-0 record against the Sooners, last facing them in the Maui Invitational in 2010. A victory in Norman would provide Kentucky with a valuable Quad 1 win, solidifying their NCAA Tournament prospects.

Despite leading the Wildcats this season as their top scorer with 15.7 points per game, Oweh faced a challenging outing against Alabama, which ended a streak of 26 consecutive double-digit scoring games. “I feel like every player who plays their old school obviously wants to do well. They’re excited for that game,” he said.

As both teams gear up for the match, Oweh maintains a close connection with Oklahoma’s current roster, including his former teammate and leading scorer, who averages 17.0 points per game. “He’s tough, athletic. His overall game has gotten better,” Oweh shared about his counterpart.

With only four regular season games remaining, Wednesday’s matchup holds significant implications not just for Oweh personally but also for the Wildcats as they aim to secure a place in the NCAA Tournament. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network, showcasing a pivotal moment in both Oweh’s career and the Wildcats’ season.