ST. LOUIS, Mo. (WMDJ) — Kentucky is moving on after a dramatic finish in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Wildcats beat Santa Clara 89-84 in overtime Friday, thanks to a last-second shot from Otega Oweh that forced the extra period.

Kentucky trailed 73-70 with 2.4 seconds left in regulation after a Santa Clara three-pointer. Oweh took the inbound, pushed up the floor and hit a shot from just inside half court as time expired to tie the game.

The Wildcats took control in overtime. Oweh scored the go-ahead free throws with just over a minute remaining to give Kentucky the lead for good.

Oweh finished with a career-high 35 points, along with eight rebounds and seven assists. Mouhamed Dioubate added 17 points, while Denzel Aberdeen had 16.

Brandon Garrison made key defensive plays late, blocking two three-point attempts in the final minute of overtime. One block led to a fast-break dunk that helped extend Kentucky’s lead.

Santa Clara was led by Christian Hammond with 20 points and Allen Graves with 17.

Kentucky improves to 22-13 and advances to the second round. The Wildcats will face the winner of Iowa State and Tennessee State in the Midwest Region.