Magic Once Again

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The second consecutive sellout crowd in Memorial Gymnasium witnessed Vanderbilt’s second top-10 win in a week as the Commodores toppled No. 9-ranked Kentucky, 74-69. It marks the first time the Dores have taken down two top 10 teams in a season since 2006-07.

Jason Edwards led the Commodores with 18 points. Devin McGlockton, who had a clutch putback with a minute remaining, tallied 14 points and six rebounds. Tyler Nickel had 11 points and Jaylen Carey 10 to give the Dores four in double figures. Vandy forced 17 turnovers, reaching double-digits in steals again with 10 total.

Vanderbilt (16-4, 4-3 SEC) and Kentucky (14-5, 3-3 SEC) traded baskets for the first 10 minutes before the Commodores went on a 20-8 run to close the half. The Vanderbilt offense started hot from behind the arc, hitting seven three-pointers—two by leading scorer Edwards—in the first half. The Dores also protected the rim on the other end, only allowing 27 points in the first 20 minutes.

The Commodore offense stalled to begin the second half, allowing Kentucky to mount a comeback and eventually take the lead with 12 minutes remaining. The Dores steadied, trading baskets with Kentucky into the final two minutes. An AJ Hoggard layup with three minutes left took the lead back, and Vanderbilt closed out the game with a six-point run that brought Memorial Gymnasium to its feet once again.

Otega Oweh paced Kentucky’s offense with a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double, scoring 17 second-half points. Ansley Almonor scored 12 points and Jaxon Robinson scored 11. The Wildcats shot 60 percent from the field in the second half.

Vanderbilt returns to the hardwood on Saturday, Feb. 1, to play at Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m.