No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats to Clash with Vanderbilt Commodores in Key SEC Showdown
The No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats (14-4, 3-2 SEC) will face the Vanderbilt Commodores (15-4, 3-3 SEC) in a highly anticipated SEC matchup on Saturday, January 25, at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville. Tipoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ESPN. Kentucky, led by first-year head coach Mark Pope, is coming off a week-long break following a 102-97 loss to No. 4 Alabama. Vanderbilt, under new head coach Mark Byington, is riding high after a thrilling 76-75 upset over No. 6 Tennessee but suffered a 103-87 loss to Alabama in their most recent outing.
Kentucky boasts a potent offense, ranking third nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency, with five players averaging double-digit points. Oklahoma transfer Otega Oweh leads the team with 15.7 points per game, while San Diego State transfer Lamont Butler averages 13.6 points and 4.9 assists. The Wildcats are also strong from beyond the arc, shooting 36.7% from three-point range, which could pose problems for a Vanderbilt defense ranked 267th in defending the perimeter.
Vanderbilt, however, has been a surprise this season, with a roster featuring 11 transfers and no returning players from last year. North Texas transfer Jason Edwards leads the Commodores with 17.3 points per game, while Boston College transfer Devin McGlockton averages 8.2 rebounds. Vanderbilt’s defense ranks 16th nationally in forcing turnovers, which could challenge Kentucky’s ball-handling, particularly from center Amari Williams, who has struggled with turnovers recently.
Memorial Gymnasium, known for its unique setup with team benches on the baseline, has been a tough environment for visiting teams. Vanderbilt is 10-1 at home this season, including their recent upset of Tennessee. Kentucky, however, has historically dominated this series, winning 16 of the last 18 meetings. The Wildcats are also 3-2 against the spread in SEC play, while Vanderbilt is 2-4.
The game is expected to be closely contested, with Kentucky favored by 2-3.5 points and the over/under set at 162.5-166.5 points. Both teams are looking to solidify their NCAA Tournament resumes, making this a crucial matchup in the SEC standings. Kentucky’s ability to exploit Vanderbilt’s lack of size and defend against the Commodores’ turnover-generating defense will be key factors in determining the outcome.
No. 9 Kentucky at Vanderbilt: Preview, Odds & How to Watch
KSR has everything you need to know about the head-to-head battle between Kentucky and Vanderbilt inside Memorial Gym.
www.on3.com
Kentucky Wildcats vs Vanderbilt Commodores Prediction - Pickswise
Kentucky Wildcats vs Vanderbilt Commodores Prediction, Odds and Picks for this college basketball SEC matchup on Saturday.
www.pickswise.com
Kentucky at Vanderbilt odds, picks and predictions
Analyzing Saturday’s Kentucky at Vanderbilt odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.
sportsbookwire.usatoday.com
Live updates: Kentucky Wildcats at Vanderbilt Commodores college basketball
Kentucky men’s basketball travels to Music City to play the Vanderbilt Commodores.
www.kentucky.com
Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt odds, prediction: 2025 college basketball picks, Jan. 25 best bets from proven model
SportsLine's model just revealed its college basketball picks for the Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday afternoon
www.cbssports.com
Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt odds, viewing info, what to watch for, and predictions
How to watch and follow Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt in the Music City.
www.aseaofblue.com
Memorial Minutes: Gilded age - The Vanderbilt Hustler
The hype for Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball skyrocketed after back-to-back home wins, but a loss on the road to No. 4 Alabama revealed some problems brew
vanderbilthustler.com