Otega Oweh scores 20 and No. 17 Kentucky uses strong 2nd half for 82-61 win over Vanderbilt
Amari Williams recaps his four-block,17-point performance vs. the Commodores as he discusses the factors that have led to the Wildcats’ success this season.
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% from the field in the second half — including 1 for 10 on 3-pointers — after shooting 49% 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% in the second half, 45% on 3-pointers. Kentucky shot 65% in the second half and 50% 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.
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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
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Game Information
2024-25 Southeastern Conference Standings
Men’s College Basketball News
| 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAN | 40 | 21 | 61 |
| UK | 41 | 41 | 82 |
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 12-1 | – | 24-2 |
| Florida | 10-3 | 2 | 23-3 |
| Alabama | 10-3 | 2 | 21-5 |
| Texas A&M | 9-4 | 3 | 20-6 |
| Missouri | 9-4 | 3 | 20-6 |
| Tennessee | 8-5 | 4 | 21-5 |
| Ole Miss | 8-5 | 4 | 19-7 |
| Mississippi State | 7-6 | 5 | 19-7 |
| Kentucky | 7-6 | 5 | 18-8 |
| Vanderbilt | 5-8 | 7 | 17-9 |
| Texas | 5-8 | 7 | 16-10 |
| Georgia | 4-9 | 8 | 16-10 |
| Arkansas | 4-9 | 8 | 15-11 |
| Oklahoma | 3-10 | 9 | 16-10 |
| LSU | 3-10 | 9 | 14-12 |
| South Carolina | 0-13 | 12 | 10-16 |
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