Kentucky Wildcats Aim to Extend Dominance Over Vanderbilt in SEC Showdown

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Kentucky Wildcats and Vanderbilt Commodores will face off in a highly anticipated Southeastern Conference (SEC) basketball matchup at 2:30 p.m. ET today at Memorial Gymnasium. Kentucky, led by new head coach Mark Pope, seeks to continue its historical dominance over Vanderbilt, having won 14 consecutive games against the Commodores from January 2017 to January 2023.

Kentucky (14-4, 3-2 SEC) enters the game as a 2 ½-point road favorite, with the over/under set at 166 ½ points. Vanderbilt (15-4, 3-3) is looking to rebound after a 103-87 loss to Alabama earlier this week, while Kentucky also fell to the Crimson Tide, 102-97, in their last outing.

Memorial Gymnasium, the oldest active home venue in the SEC, is expected to be packed. “I do think it’s a great venue,” Pope said. “Right now, the way they’re playing, it’s a great gym. And I’m sure it’ll be sold out — like all gyms we visit. They’ve got some good juice in there, so it should be really fun.”

The game will air on ESPN, with Karl Ravech handling play-by-play and Jimmy Dykes providing analysis. Fans can also stream the game via the WatchESPN app, ESPN+, or Fubo. For radio listeners, Tom Leach and Jack Givens will call the action on the UK radio network.

Kentucky holds a commanding 157-49 all-time record against Vanderbilt, including four consecutive wins in 2006 and 2007. However, the Commodores have only managed eight victories in the series since then. Both teams are looking to regain momentum as they vie for position in the SEC standings.

Vanderbilt’s home-court advantage at Memorial Gymnasium, known for its unique raised court and bench configurations, could play a role in today’s contest. Kentucky, however, remains focused on extending its winning streak against the Commodores and solidifying its standing in the conference.

Fans in the Bluegrass State can tune in to the KSR Pregame Show from 12:00-1:00 p.m. for analysis and predictions ahead of the game. The Wildcats will look to capitalize on their week of rest and preparation as they aim to secure another victory in Nashville.