Ask the basketball lovers about the sport’s biggest storyline at the moment and they will probably tell you it’s Luka Doncic’s first game against his former team after the shocking trade. But just a day after that happened at the Crypto Arena, 1356 miles away at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, one more thriller with a similar storyline was staged when the Kentucky Wildcats and Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball teams faced each other. This time, a former Sooners returned to its home arena, donning the rival Wildcats’ jersey. And guess what, bringing things to a full circle, played THE role in Kentucky’s win over the Sooners. If that was not enough, he had one of his teammates with an Oklahoma connection to contribute equally in the win. But the exciting story went south once the game ended.

Just a year ago, Kentucky’s Otega Oweh and Brandon Garrison were playing for different teams, albeit in Oklahoma. Oweh spent his previous two years playing for Oklahoma, while Garrison was a Freshman at Oklahoma State, a Sooners rival, after his time in the Del City High School. On Wednesday night, these two were the key pieces that handed the Sooners a one-point loss in the penultimate moments of the game. Garrison was credited with the game-saving block, but Oweh also claimed a piece of it.

After Oweh banked in a circus shot to give Kentucky a one-point lead with 6.1 seconds left, OU coach Porter Moser pocketed his timeout and trusted his star freshman Jeremiah Fears to make a play. Fears dashed down the court, only to be denied at the rim by Garrison and Oweh. The Sooners cried foul, but it was final: Kentucky 83, OU 82. Immediately following the block, Garrison can be seen getting into Fears’ face, with Sooners teammate Jalon Moore coming to his defense. Kentucky’s Amari Williams had to pull Garrison away from the Oklahoma players. “My emotions got a little hot when I got the block and realized we got the win,” Garrison later said. The crowd also got heated up, and that went a bit too far.

As Kentucky was heading off the floor, Adam Stratton, who works for Kentucky Sports Radio, caught video of a projectile coming from the stands that nearly hit Garrison. “Just me being back home, they tried to get up under my skin right when I got in the game,” said Garrison, who had rows of family and friends present in the game. “Things got a little chippy at the end, but it’s just basketball — nothing more, nothing less.” Meanwhile, Oweh had his moment of disrespect. He was continuously booed during the game. “He’s — a — traitor,” a Sooner student section chanted during one of Oweh’s trips to the free-throw line. However, OU has stepped in.

OU has launched an investigation into the incident. “We are aware of an incident that occurred following last night’s men’s basketball contest against Kentucky involving the throwing of a beverage can toward players,” the statement read. “We are closely reviewing all available footage and are working to identify involved parties.” 

Adding further it stated, “The University of Oklahoma does not in any way condone this type of fan behavior and it will not be tolerated. We will take appropriate and necessary action against anyone who conducts themself in such a manner. We apologize to University of Kentucky players, coaches and fans.” However, the fans are not buying it.

Despite familiar faces, Oklahoma fans fire back at Wildcats’ roster

The CBS Sports writer wasn’t sold on the Sooners’ tournament credentials, which is why his recent bracket projections didn’t include OU. But this recent game could have made the difference. However, the UK, ranked No. 23 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and No. 17 in the AP Top 25, didn’t let that happen. OU’s frustration was probably also heightened with the fact that Kentucky entered the night with just a 2-6 record.

Garrison and Oweh were the perceived villains for OU. And one fan couldn’t hold back their excitement for Garriosn’s performance, even comparing him to a Kentucky legend: “I love Brandon Garrison. He reminds me so much of DeMarcus Cousins.”

“OU fans? Not shocked…” penned one spectator. It was both former Oklahoma stars combining for 40 points to help the Wildcats escape with a victory at the Lloyd Noble Center. No doubt both were dominant, but Oweh stood out slightly more. He poured in a game-high 28 points, doing most of his damage in the final 20 minutes.

Impressive, right? But can you believe he had just five points in the first half before exploding for 23 in the second? As if that wasn’t enough, he also contributed six rebounds, a steal, and a block. “CRY ABOUT IT, OKLAHOMA. OTEGA OWEH IS YOUR NEW GOVERNOR,” added a spectator. Garrison, on the other hand, finished with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. His impact wasn’t limited to scoring—he also added 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals. “Typical OU. Doesn’t help that Garrison is a former Oklahoma State player,” commented another user.

But his final rejection was THE highlight moment when he stuffed an attempt by Jeremiah Fears as time expired, sealing Kentucky’s win. His efforts made an impact, but unfortunately, they also provoked an unacceptable reaction from the audience. “Hey @SEC, how much is the fine that gets paid to UK for throwing a can at our players as they leave the court?” one user asked. “The person who tossed that needs to be arrested,” another penned.

Now, the Wildcats stand seventh in the SEC with a 19-9 overall record. Before their March Madness run, the team has three games lined up, two of them against ranked opponents. What do you think? Will the Wildcats be able to claim another win, especially against No. 1 Auburn?