Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt: Game Recap & Highlights | UK Athletics

Vanderbilt Dominates Kentucky, 80-55, Ending Wildcats’ winning Streak

Nashville, TN – In a decisive victory at Memorial Gymnasium on January 27, 2026, No. 18/15 Vanderbilt defeated (RV) Kentucky 80-55,bringing an end to the Wildcats’ five-game winning streak.The Commodores showcased a commanding performance, fueled by a strong offensive showing and a stifling defense that held Kentucky to its lowest point total of the season.

Commodores Control the Game from the Tip-Off

Vanderbilt established control early, jumping to a 7-0 lead before Kentucky could respond with a pair of foul shots from Collin Chandler at the 16:09 mark. The Commodores continued to build their advantage, pushing the lead to 17 points at 29-12. Despite a brief Kentucky rally that narrowed the gap to 30-19, Vanderbilt answered with an 11-0 run, extending their lead to a commanding 41-19 – their largest of the first half.A barrage of seven 3-pointers propelled Vanderbilt to a 43-23 lead at halftime.

Kentucky struggled to find its rhythm in the first half, shooting poorly from the field and committing costly turnovers. According to post-game analysis, the Wildcats now hold a 4-6 record when trailing at halftime this season.

Did you know? – Vanderbilt’s 43 first-half points marked their highest scoring half against a southeastern Conference opponent this season, demonstrating their offensive prowess early in the game.

Oweh’s Performance Not Enough for Kentucky

Despite the loss, Kentucky was led by a stellar individual performance from Oveh Oweh, who scored 20 points – his eighth 20-point game of the season, and sixth in eight Southeastern Conference (SEC) contests. Oweh has now scored in double figures in all 21 games this season, extending his streak to 24 games dating back to last season. He became the first Kentucky player as Tayshaun Prince in 2001 and 2002 to record two 20-point games against Vanderbilt in Nashville. Oweh also led the team in both assists and steals, with three of each.

Denzel Aberdeen contributed 15 points for the Wildcats, reaching double figures for the 14th time this season. Malachi Moreno led the team in rebounding with eight, while Mo Dioubate had a career-high five blocked shots, tying Moreno for the most blocks in a game this season.

Pro tip – Effective rebounding is crucial in SEC play. Kentucky’s Moreno and Vanderbilt’s rebounding efforts significantly impacted possession time and scoring opportunities.

Injury Concerns Continue for Wildcats

Kentucky continues to grapple with injuries, currently missing Jayden Quaintance, Kam Williams, and Jaland Lowe. Lowe’s injury is season-ending, further compounding the team’s challenges.

Vanderbilt’s Dominance Continues a Longstanding Rivalry

Vanderbilt’s victory further solidifies their position in the SEC, improving their record to 18-3 overall and 5-3 in conference play. Kentucky falls to 14-7 overall and 5-3 in the SEC. Despite this loss,Kentucky still…

Reader question – Do you think Kentucky’s injury situation is the primary reason for their struggles,or are there other factors contributing to their recent performance?