Denzel Aberdeen had 15 points, but no other Kentucky player scored in double figures. The Cats fell to 14-7 and 5-3 in the Southeastern Conference.
Vanderbilt (18-3, 5-3) scored the first seven points pf the game before Collin Chandler hit two free throws for the Cats. After missing its first nine shots, Kentucky got a dunk from Aberdeen to cut the deficit to 7-4. However, the Commodores scored the next eight to lead by 11.
Aberdeen hit a three to cut the deficit to 15-7. Vanderbilt answered with a three of its own, but Aberdeen converted a three-point play to get UK within eight. However, Vandy scored the next eight to lead 26-10.
Malachi Moreno scored, but Vandy hit a three to lead 29-12. Consecutive Oweh dunks got the Cats within 13. After a Vanderbilt free throw, Trent Noah made a three to cut the VU lead to 30-19. The ‘Dores answered by scoring the next 11 before Aberdeen scored to cut the deficit to 41-21. An Oweh bucket got the Cats closer, but Vandy scored the final points of the half and the ‘Dores led 43-23 at the break.
In the second half, Vanderbilt scored the first four points to lead 47-23. Oweh responded by scoring the next six to get the Cats within 18. After a Vandy free throw, Andrija Jelavic scored to make it 48-31. Vandy would score the next four points to lead by 21.
Aberdeen scored on a layup, but Vandy scored the next seven points to lead by 26. Two Moreno free throws were answered by four Commodores’ free throws. Chandler scored, then Oweh hit a three to make it 63-40.
From there, Vanderbilt would maintain a big lead and would go on to victory.
Kentucky returns to action on Saturday, visiting Fayetteville to face No. 15 Arkansas. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET and the game can be seen on ESPN.