Kentucky earns slight halftime lead in Vanderbilt rematch

The offense has been as excellent as the defense and rebounding have been problematic, giving Kentucky a 41-40 edge over Vanderbilt at halftime.

On one hand, the Wildcats are shooting 50 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from three and 100 percent at the line. Otega Oweh leads the way with 11 points, continuing his streak of double-digit scoring to 26 games. He did it on 3-5 shooting with two rebounds, two assists and one block. Amari Williams added nine points and five rebounds, followed by Collin Chandler with a career-high seven points, Koby Brea and Ansley Almonor with six and Andrew Carr with two.

On the other, the Commodores are shooting 48.6 percent from the field with eight different players scoring. Devin McGlockton has 11 points and six rebounds, followed by Jason Edwards with seven, AJ Hoggard with five, Chris Manon, MJ Collins and Jaylen Carey with four and Tyler Nickel with three.

The difference? An 18-12 advantage on the glass with Vanderbilt pulling down eight offensive rebounds with 20 points in the paint compared to 12 for Kentucky.

The Cats have led for 18:03 compared to 46 seconds for the ‘Dores — but it’s been neck-and-neck the whole way, no one leading by more than six points.

20 minutes to cushion that lead a bit and leave this one with a much-needed win.