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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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No. 7 seed Kentucky survived No. 10 Santa Clara in an instant classic on Friday, pulling out an 89–84 overtime win after trailing in the final seconds of regulation.
What looked like a season-ending upset flipped on its head when Otega Oweh buried a miracle, near half-court three to force overtime, one of the wildest shots of the NCAA Tournament so far.
Kentucky rode that emotional swing into OT, closing on an 8–0 run to escape and advance.
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That alone would’ve been the headline. But in the locker room afterward, Collin Chandler delivered a bold message as the Wildcats prepared to take on No. 2 seed Iowa State in the second round.
"Been through a lot of outside noise surrounding Kentucky basketball, which is to be expected. That's why you come to Kentucky," Chandler said. "But I can't imagine being on the other side and being extremely confident to play us."
"Even Santa Clara, they're a great team, and they executed very well, but we find a way to win. And so I think we're coming in with that mentality on Sunday," he added.
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The Cyclones steamrolled Tennessee State 108–74 in one of the most dominant performances of the first round.
They blitzed the game early with a 23–0 run and never looked back, showcasing elite depth and offensive firepower led by freshman guard Killyan Toure, who finished with a game-high 25 points.
But there’s a wrinkle that could define Sunday’s matchup: All-American forward Joshua Jefferson went down with a lower-leg injury just minutes into the game and later appeared in a walking boot.
His status is uncertain, and that uncertainty cracks the door open for Kentucky.
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On paper, this is a clash of styles and momentum. Iowa State looks like a polished contender, deep and explosive. Kentucky looks like a team surviving on adrenaline, shot-making, and late-game execution.
That’s where Chandler’s comments hit differently.
Kentucky is a team that has been inconsistent all season, yet somehow dangerous in every high-leverage moment.
And with March Madness, that skill can be just as valuable.
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