Highlights, MVP and Twitter Reactions to Kentucky’s Sweet Revenge of Vanderbilt

It was exactly what the Big Blue Nation needed. In a match that the home team dominated from start to finish, the Kentucky Wildcats put together an outstanding offensive performance while leading by 22 points in a 91-77 win over No. 25. Vanderbilt Commodores.

Kentucky improves to 19-10 overall and 10-6 in conference play while holding out hope for a double bye in the SEC Tournament.

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First half

This is a first half of basketball! Kentucky was hot offensively in the first half, scoring 18 points before the first media timeout. They continued to shoot and score, shooting 55% in the first half and 9-16 from 3-point range.

Speaking of 3-point range. Collin Chandler: Say no more. He made five 3s in the first half, the most in a half of his career.

All five Kentucky starters still managed to score at least five points, with Denzel Aberdeen second behind Chandler with eight points and two 3-pointers.

Perhaps the best stat of all: the Cats had just three turnovers compared to 12 assists.

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Defensively, the Cats held the Commodores to just 42 percent shooting and 18 percent from 3-point range. Tyler Nickel and Devin McGlockton didn’t score in the first half and Tyler Tanner had just six points.

Second half

Kentucky came out and pounded the paint, got to the free throw line and expanded its offense in the first five minutes.

Vanderbilt made some shots, so it was great for Kentucky to answer them early. The Wildcats didn’t let the Commodores get any closer than 12 points early in the second half. This set the tone for the next 20 seconds.

Otega Oweh only had six points in the first half, but he was in double figures in the second half alone.

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The way the Wildcats offense played today looked like a team capable of playing into March. Are they shorthanded? Yes, but they are still quite deep. They are also talented enough to beat good teams and play at the level they were playing at today.

Kentucky shot 13-20 in the second half and 17-20 from the free throw line.

Highlights

MVP: Collin Chandler

How could this not be the case? He was in charge beyond the arc and on the court in general. Kentucky could continue as it is in March. Chandler finished with a career-high 23 points Saturday afternoon, making six 3-pointers.

Box Score

Kentucky Twitter Reactions vs. Vanderbilt

Big Blue Nation was having fun this afternoon. Here are the best Twitter reactions from today’s game.