Kentucky secured a dominant 82-61 victory over Vanderbilt on Wednesday night, bouncing back in SEC play.
After a tight first half, where they led by just one point, the Wildcats took control in the second half, outscoring the Commodores 41-21. This win was crucial for building momentum in conference play.
A key contributor was seven-footer Amari Williams, who posted 17 points, six rebounds, and four blocks. Impressively, Williams became the first Division I or NBA player since Pau Gasol in 2010 to record at least 15 points, four blocks, perfect shooting from both the field and free-throw line, and zero fouls in a single game.
Off the court, Kentucky has been actively supporting communities affected by flooding in Eastern Kentucky. Before the game, players helped load a truck with donations, and head coach Mark Pope emphasized using their platform to give back. Williams echoed this sentiment, saying the team played for the people of Kentucky, making the win even more meaningful.
Beyond boosting their SEC standing, the Wildcats’ victory showcased their commitment to the community under Pope’s leadership. They’ll look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matchup against Alabama.