Inside job: Kentucky discovers its inner bully, exploits size to pound Vanderbilt 82-61

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – It took a meandering first half of basketball for Kentucky to get back to basics against Vanderbilt on Wednesday night in Rupp Arena.

After watching the Commodores outscore them 20-12 in the paint in the first half, the Wildcats got a halftime reminder that they had a significant size advantage in the post, and in the second half, they finally took advantage of it.

Coming out of halftime with a one-point lead, Kentucky’s first 12 points of the second half came from point-blank range, and as often happens, inside scoring led to outside success. It all culminated in one of the Wildcats’ best all-around performances of the SEC season -- and a much-needed 82-61 win.

The victory avenged a loss in Nashville last month, and improved Kentucky to 7-6 in the SEC and 18-8 overall. It was a near must-win for Kentucky, after the Wildcats lost a late lead and the game at Texas on Saturday. With a trip to No. 4-ranked Alabama up ahead, Kentucky needed the win not only for SEC positioning but to steady itself heading into a difficult home stretch.

Vanderbilt came into the game badly needing a win to remain in NCAA Tournament contention. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi lists the Commodores as one of the last teams into the field, but with a 2-7 win over Quad 1 opponents, Vanderbilt could’ve solidified its tournament resume with a win. They left with their second-most lopsided loss to season (they lost by 30 at Oklahoma).

The teams played close in the first half. Vanderbilt exploited Kentucky inside, but Kentucky opened a six-point lead early in the half and still led at the break.

In the second half, it was a different Kentucky team. Amari Williams had eight points in the half, shooting 4-of-4 from the field, and upped his energy on the defensive end. Andrew Carr went down low to score, and wound up with 9 points in the half on 4-of-6 shooting.

Williams finished with 17 points and made all six of his shots from the field and all five of his free throws.

With Kentucky turning the tables inside (it outscored Vandy 20-12 in the paint in the second half), it began to get open looks outside, and took advantage. Kentucky made 6 of 12 three-point tries in the second half.

Defensively, Kentucky held Vanderbilt to 29.6 second-half shooting, and 1-of-10 from three-point range.

Still playing without point guard Lamont Butler and wing Jaxson Robinson, Kentucky notched Top 50 win despite the injuries.

Otega Oweh led the Wildcats with 20 points. Koby Brea added 12 and Carr finished with 11. The Wildcats shot 58 percent for the game and went 13-of-13 from the free-throw line.