LEXINGTON, Ky.—Otega Oweh scored 20 points and No. 17 Kentucky took advantage of its size to start the second half to pull away for an 82–61 win over Vanderbilt on Wednesday night.
The Wildcats (18–8, 7–6 Southeastern Conference) led 41–40 at the half, but focused on going inside for their first three baskets of the second half and forced the Commodores to take a timeout three minutes in.
Amari Williams added 17 points for the Wildcats.
Devin McGlockton led Vanderbilt (17–9, 5–8) with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Commodores only shot 30 percent from the field in the second half — including 1 for 10 on 3-pointers — after shooting 49 percent in the first half.
Takeaways
Vanderbilt: The Commodores continued a troubling trend in second halves of conference games. They have allowed opponents to shoot 56 percent in the second half, 45 percent on 3-pointers. Kentucky shot 65 percent in the second half and 50 percent on 3s.Kentucky: The Wildcats have only been at full strength seven times this season. They played without starters Lamont Butler (shoulder) and Jaxson Robinson (wrist) for the second straight game. Using a point guard by committee, freshmen Travis Perry and Colin Chandler combined for 13 points and seven rebounds.
Key moment
After Vanderbilt had got within three points at 47–44, Kentucky went on a 12–2 run to open a double-digit lead at 59–46. Williams and Carr scored two baskets each and Koby Brea ended it with a 3-pointer.Key stat
The Commodores dominated the paint in the first half, outscoring the Wildcats 20–12 inside and holding an 18–12 rebounding edge, including eight offensive boards. Kentucky reversed that in the second half, winning the rebounding battle 18–12 and 20–14 in the paint.Up next
Both teams play on Saturday, with Vanderbilt hosting No. 25 Mississippi and Kentucky traveling to No. 4 Alabama.By Steve McClain
