No. 18 Vanderbilt beats Kentucky 80-55 for its largest victory over the Wildcats since 2008

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Vanderbilt forward Devin McGlockton (99) celebrates a three point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Kentucky forward Mouhamed Dioubate (23) goes to the basket past Vanderbilt forward Ak Okereke (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) — Vanderbilt forward Devin McGlockton (99) celebrates a three point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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10:43 PM on Tuesday, January 27

By JACK WILLIAMS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tyler Tanner and Tyler Nickel each scored 19 points, and No. 18 Vanderbilt rolled to its largest victory over Kentucky since 2008 with an 80-55 win on Tuesday night.

Devin McGlockton added 11 points and 12 rebounds for the Commodores (18-3, 5-3 SEC), who raced to a 20-point lead at halftime and never let the cold-shooting Wildcats in the game.

It was the Commodores’ largest halftime lead and win over Kentucky (14-7, 5-3) since Feb. 12, 2008, when they led 40-11 at the break and went on to win 93-52. The 18-3 start to the season is Vanderbilt's best through 21 games since 1973-74.

Otega Oweh scored 20 points for Kentucky, which shot for just 32% (19 for 59) from the floor and 25% (6 for 24) from 3-point range.

Freshman Chandler Bing had a season-high 11 points in 26 minutes off the bench to help Vanderbilt overcome the absence of second-leading scorer Duke Miles, who sustained a knee injury.

The Commodores scored 28 points off 15 turnovers and dominated from the start, opening a 43-23 halftime lead. The Commodores shot 47% (16 for 34) overall and 50% (7 of 14) from 3-point range in the half while outrebounding the Wildcats 27-16.

Kentucky was just 9 for 29 (28%) in the first half, including 2 for 11 (18%) behind the arc. The Wildcats were outscored 13-4 in the final 4:43 of the half.

Up next

Vanderbilt: At Mississippi on Saturday.

Kentucky: At No. 15 Arkansas on Saturday

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