The Kentucky Wildcats beat the Oklahoma Sooner in the quarterfinal round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday night at the buzzer by a final score of 85-84.

The Cats got off to a fast start, but it didn’t last long. The first half was very reminiscent of the game in Norman, as Kentucky just couldn’t slow the Sooners down. While scoring seemed at a premium, Mark Pope’s squad was able to take a 40-38 lead into the break.

After the half, the shooting woes continued. Continuing from the first half, the Cats missed 14 of their last 18 field goals at one point. The energy dropped off entirely, and Oklahoma took advantage. It was eerily similar to the first time these two teams played.

However, once again, the Cats answered the call. When all seemed lost, they clawed their way back and slowly but surely extended the lead out of reach of the Sooners. Or, so it seemed. The Cats seemingly imploded with less than a minute left to blow an impossible lead, but it wasn’t all for naught as Otega Oweh won the game for Kentucky again.

Next up, the Cats will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide late Friday night as they’ll look to avoid the three-game sweep against Nate Oats’ squad.

The injury bug bites again

Ugh…I don’t even know what to say anymore. Is Kentucky basketball cursed?

BBN was down after news broke of Jaxson Robinson’s season-ending injury, but all was not lost after Lamont Butler finally made his triumphant return. Butler didn’t miss a ton of time, but he did play several games less than 100%. When he made his way back to the court, that was more important than the loss of Robinson.

Unfortunately, the fun didn’t last long. Butler aggravated his shoulder injury in the first half and he didn’t return to the game. Pope said he was taken in for imaging at the break. His status is unknown for now.

Carr is all the way back

Andrew Carr is Kentucky’s X-factor. It’s plain and simple.

The Wake Forest transfer was really good to start the season, but injuries derailed him big time. He missed time and his play fell off. Even when he was back, it wasn’t the same for a long time because his back injury clearly affected his play.

However, over the last few games, Carr has made it clear that he’s back. He’s confident. He’s shooting the ball from deep and taking advantage of mismatches down low. You can see his ability to disrupt opposing teams on defense when he’s really healthy, as well.

Carr is Pope’s secret weapon and he’s all the way back.

Brea came to play

Koby Brea has hit another gear since Jaxson Robinson went down with a season-ending injury. The senior has really hit his stride and is playing with all the confidence in the world.

He’s an incredible shooter, obviously, but he doesn’t get enough credit for his passing and athleticism around the rim. Sometimes, he seems a little hesitant to let it fly, but that’s gone away since his role has expanded. Everyone just wants him to shoot any chance he gets, but he’s smart with the basketball.

Over the last few weeks, he’s really stepped up. He’s a microwave scorer that always has the green light and he’s taken full advantage. That’s a good sign in March.

Oweh picks up where he left off

Otega Oweh had one of the more spectacular performances a few games ago against his former team. Sometimes, the grass is greener.

Oweh was a solid player for the Sooners, but he’s transformed into a star for the Wildcats. Last month, he was quiet in the first half, but he scored 23 of Kentucky’s last 25 points, including the game-winner.

That scoring streak happened over the last 12 minutes of the game. It was so much fun to watch. Every time down, you knew Oweh was getting the ball and no one could stop it. That game meant everything to him and it carried over to this one. While it wasn’t the same dominant showing, he forced the issue when the Sooners clearly couldn’t stop him from getting to the rim.

Once again, Oweh wouldn’t lose to his former team. He hit a shot just before the buzzer to pull the Cats out of the grave.

Win and move on! That’s all that matters in March.

Go Cats!!