After Kentucky’s narrow win over Oklahoma, a fan threw a beer can at a player, adding to the intense atmosphere fueled by past connections between the teams.

 

WATCH: Oklahoma fan throws beer can at Kentucky players after loss

 

Basketball fans in Norman, Oklahoma, witnessed an unforgettable scene on the evening of February 26, 2025, when the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats narrowly defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 83-82 in a heated NCAA matchup.

The game, which was already filled with tension due to the dramatic back-and-forth action on the court, saw tempers flare off the court as well, culminating in a fan throwing a beer can at one of the Kentucky players as the team exited the arena.

As the Wildcats hustled into the tunnel after the hard-fought victory, the atmosphere in the Lloyd Noble Center became charged with emotion. Sooner fans, visibly upset by the loss, began booing the Kentucky team.

One fan, in particular, threw a can of beer that nearly struck a Wildcats player. The incident was caught on video, capturing the intensity of the moment. While the beer can narrowly missed its target, the act added a chaotic and hostile atmosphere to the already intense game.

The game itself was a thrilling contest, with both teams giving their all. The Wildcats had a couple of notable players who made a huge impact, including Otega Oweh and Brandon Garrison, both of whom had ties to Oklahoma.

Oweh, who had played for the Sooners for two seasons before transferring to Kentucky, played one of the best games of his career.

He finished with 28 points, including the game-winning shot, and was a major force on the floor. Garrison, who had previously played at Oklahoma State, was also instrumental in the win, contributing with 12 points, four rebounds, three steals, and three blocks.

He was involved in a clutch defensive play late in the game, blocking a last-second shot from Oklahoma.

 

Kentucky guard Otega Oweh celebrates on Feb. 26, 2025, in Norman, Okla.

 

The crowd’s hostility was palpable throughout the game, especially towards Oweh and Garrison, as they returned to face their former teams. Fans of the Sooners were vocal in their displeasure, often chanting “traitor” whenever Oweh went to the foul line.

The tension between the players and the fans only added to the drama of the game, as the Wildcats pushed through the emotional and physical pressure of playing on the road.

“I was just thinking about making the play and doing whatever I could to help my team win,” Garrison said after the game, reflecting on the heated moments. “When I got the block and realized we won, my emotions got a little hot, but it’s all part of the game. It’s just basketball.”

Despite the charged atmosphere, Garrison was composed when speaking to reporters after the game, holding his daughter in his arms as he addressed the press. “Just me being back home, they tried to get up under my skin right when I got in the game.

Things got a little chippy at the end, but it’s just basketball—nothing more, nothing less,” he added, underscoring the competitive nature of the sport despite the intense emotions on display.

While the game ended with Kentucky coming out on top, the unsportsmanlike actions of the fan who threw the beer can cast a shadow over the victory. Such behavior, while not common, speaks to the passion and at times, the volatility of college sports rivalries.

Fans are often deeply invested in the teams they support, but incidents like these serve as a reminder of the fine line between passion and misconduct.

 

WATCH: Oklahoma fan throws beer can at Kentucky players after loss

 

Both Oweh and Garrison showed resilience throughout the game, handling the verbal attacks from the crowd with a level of professionalism and focus that helped propel their team to victory.

Their performances not only demonstrated their skill on the court but also their ability to remain mentally strong in the face of adversity.

After the game, both players received praise from their coaches and teammates for their leadership and performance, but it was clear that the hostile environment they played in would linger in the minds of many.

College basketball rivalries are known for their intensity, but the actions of the fan who threw the beer can were a stark reminder of how far emotions can sometimes go when the stakes are high.

This incident in Norman serves as another reminder of the unpredictable nature of college sports and the powerful emotions that come with intense competition.

As the Wildcats and Sooners continue to make their mark in the NCAA tournament, it’s clear that this game will be remembered for more than just the final score. The drama on the court and the actions off it make this game one that fans will not soon forget.