Malachi Moreno leads comeback for Kentucky vs. LSU

Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno. Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Kentucky's Malachi Moreno caps comeback vs. LSU with buzzer-beater

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 10:09 PM ET

The Kentucky Wildcats once again found themselves facing an early deficit in Wednesday night's affair with the LSU Tigers.

Despite trailing by as many as 18 and not inheriting the lead until 3:55 remaining, the Wildcats (11-6, 2-2 SEC) stormed back in the second half and won a 75-74 thriller after freshman Malachi Moreno's game-winning buzzer-beater that drew shades of two-time NCAA champion Christian Laettner.

After senior Otega Oweh missed the second of his two free-throw attempts with four seconds to play, LSU forward Pablo Tamba was sent to the charity stripe, only to miss both of his shots. That is when sophomore guard Collin Chandler found Moreno on the ensuing in-bounds pass following a timeout and shocked the Tigers' faithful.

Malachi Moreno caps epic Kentucky comeback against LSU

Moreno only had 10 points (4-of-7 FG) and eight rebounds in the game, but he saved his best for last to give Kentucky its second straight win in conference play after overcoming a 12-point deficit against Mississippi State on Saturday.

MALACHI MORENO WINS IT IN UNREAL FASHION FOR KENTUCKY

WOW @KentuckyMBB pic.twitter.com/vi77oopDfi
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) January 15, 2026

The win ties the largest comeback of the Mark Pope era at Kentucky and comes after another efficient performance from Oweh, who has scored at least 20 points in each of Kentucky's last four games.

His 21 points (6-of-13 FG, 3-of-6 3PT) led the team on Wednesday night as four of the Wildcats' five starters scored in double-figures. Kentucky shot 45% from the floor and made 10 threes, a huge improvement for a team that has struggled from long range all season.

Double-digit deficits have plagued Kentucky this season, including three of its four SEC games so far. The Wildcats trailed by 21 in their conference-opening loss to then-No. 14 Alabama before facing sizable deficits in their last two wins.

The win is even more impressive when you consider Kentucky lost point guard Jaland Lowe for the remainder of the season with a right shoulder injury.

With upcoming road games against No. 24 Tennessee, No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 17 Arkansas on the horizon, the schedule does not get any easier for Kentucky, especially with its only true point guard out of action for the rest of the season.

However, while LSU (12-5, 0-4 SEC) is currently bringing up the rear in the SEC standings, you cannot underscore how important a win like this is for Pope's bunch.

They have been doubted throughout the season, but even when the outlook appeared bleak against the Tigers, Kentucky never let up and pulled off an incredible comeback.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

More must-reads: