Kentucky
Ole Miss
LEXINGTON, Ky. (01/23/2026) — Otega Oweh erupted for 23 points, leading the Kentucky Wildcats to a hard-fought 72-63 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena on Friday night. In a physical contest defined by tough defense and critical scoring runs, the Wildcats held off a persistent Rebels squad to secure their fifth consecutive win.
How It Happened
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. Kentucky established an early lead, extending it to as many as 10 points in the first half before Ole Miss chipped away to trail 29-23 at halftime.
The Rebels came out strong in the second half, quickly erasing the deficit and tying the game at 39 apiece. The teams traded baskets in a tightly contested period before Kentucky began to pull away in the final minutes. The Wildcats' defense was a key factor, limiting Ole Miss to just 32% shooting from the field for the game.
Turning Point
With the score knotted late in the second half, Kentucky seized control of the game. A crucial 10-3 scoring run in the final minutes proved to be the difference. This decisive stretch was fueled by key defensive stops and timely baskets that put the game out of reach for the visiting Rebels, allowing Kentucky to secure the victory in front of a crowd of 19,831.
Star of the Game
Otega Oweh was the undeniable star of the night for the Kentucky Wildcats. After a quiet first half marked by foul trouble, Oweh exploded for 20 of his game-high 23 points in the second half. He was instrumental in fending off the Ole Miss comeback attempt and powering the Wildcats to the win. For the Rebels, guard AJ Storr led the scoring effort with 20 points, while Corey Chest was a force on the glass, pulling down 10 rebounds.
What It Means
For Kentucky, the victory extends their winning streak to five games and solidifies their position in the SEC standings. The Wildcats have now won their last four games by single digits, showcasing their ability to win close contests. The win also continues Kentucky's dominance over Ole Miss in Lexington, marking their 15th straight home victory in the series.
For Ole Miss, the loss marks a tough road defeat against a surging conference opponent. Despite a strong effort on the boards, where they narrowly trailed Kentucky 45-43, their shooting struggles ultimately doomed their chances. The Rebels will look to bounce back and get back in the win column as they continue their challenging SEC schedule.