Kentucky Takes Down Vanderbilt in SEC Opener 70-60

Pretty? No. Dominant? No. Efficent? EH…. That is the the best way to sum up the Kentucky Wildcats SEC opening victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores.

In front of the largest crowd of the season, over 24,000 rabid blue grass faithful, the Wildcats went into half time on a 7-0 run and a 31-27 lead. Kentucky then came out and stretched that lead to 55-35 with only ten minutes left in regulation. The route appeared to be on, as the Wildcats looked to pour it on their East division foe and send a statement to the rest of the SEC, but Kentucky began to relax and pull back.

Vanderbilt began to pull closer and with less than two minutes left, it appeared that the ‘Dores were primed to pull out an upset and make a game against the Wildcats.

“I think we got comfortable. Then all of a sudden it got closer than it should have even been,” said point guard Michael Porter following the game.

Within six and momentum swung to the Commodores, the Kentucky Wildcats were able to regroup quickly and keep their lead, squeaking out a 10 point victory 70-60.

“Any win is good in this conference. I am proud of the way we played today, but need to get better,” Head Coach Billy Gillespie said after the game.

With the win the Kentucky Wildcats stretch their win streaks at home in SEC play to 9-0 in the Billy Gillespie era.

“We knew this would be a battle and we are just happy to come out with a win. Every win is important to get to where we want to be,” said Billy Gillespie.

And where they want to be is SEC champions. Kentucky did not dominate the entire game but did show signs of brilliance. The Cats limited their turnovers to only 13 and made plays often enough to pull in front by 20, and scored 32 of their 70 points in the paint.

With the win Kentucky has some momentum heading into a HUGE WEEK in conference. The Cats will head to Knoxville and take on the defending East season champion and preseason choice Tennessee Volunteers.

“I am excited to hear the Rocky Top chant and play there,” said freshman Darius Miller. And he will get his chance Tuesday in a showdown for a early SEC East division lead.