Tshiebwe, Washington Power Kentucky Past Vanderbilt, 78-66

Kentucky’s offense operated at its most efficient all season at Memorial Gymnasium to secure the Wildcats’ first true road victory. Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 78-66, John Calipari’s eleventh straight win over the Commodores.

Like his first start at point guard, TyTy Washington came out of the gate hot, scoring nine of UK’s first 13 points. The Wildcats led by 11 with 12 minutes remaining in the first half.

Vanderbilt did not go down without a fight. With Washington and Oscar Tshiebwe on the bench, the Commodores rattled off an 11-0 run over the next five minutes to tie the ballgame. If you blinked, you might have missed it. The two UK stars returned to the court and rattled off a quick 12-0 run and never looked back.

Kentucky shot 61% from the field in the first half, including 4-of-5 from three-point land. Oscar once again looked like the best college basketball player in America, finishing with 30 points and 13 rebounds. He’s the first Wildcat with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds in a game since Tayshaun Prince lit up North Carolina with five straight threes to open the game in 2001 2008 when Patrick Patterson registered 33 points and 11 rebounds against Tennessee State.

Washington added 15 points. UK was ahead by at least 17 points for most of the second half, leading by as much as 28 in the 12-point win.

Scotty Pippen Jr. Show

This contest could have been competitive if the Commodores had any help for Scotty Pippen Jr. With his famous father in the stands, Pippen netted six three-pointers to score 32 points for Vandy. Trey Thomas knocked down four threes, but it was really a one-man show for Jerry Stackhouse’s squad and that’s not enough to beat this Kentucky team.

Strong Night for Brooks

Keion Brooks receives criticism for inconsistent play, particularly on the glass. Tuesday night was a solid night for the junior. He was strong in the paint, securing five rebounds, often through contact. Brooks sunk a deep three as the shot clock expired to add to his midrange game, finishing with nine points.

Davion Mintz also contributed three makes from long range in a total, complete team win. Up to this point, Kentucky struggled on the road. Even though it’s just Vandy, it was good to see these Cats click for 30+ minutes without Sahvir Wheeler. They’re beginning to hit their stride just as the schedule’s degree of difficulty cranks up a couple notches.

Kentucky-Vanderbilt Box Score