Lexington, Ky – March 6, 2024 – Michael Willis
Looking to replicate the 32 point blowout that happened in their last matchup, the Wildcats welcomed the Vanderbilt Commadores to Rupp Arena for the last home game of the season. As per tradition, the fans celebrated this year’s seniors in the pregame Senior Day festivities. Tonight, Kareem Watkins, Antonio Reeves, and Tre Mitchell got their moment in the spotlight while fans showed them their appreciation while “My Ole Kentucky Home” was sung.
Sloppy play made for a slow start offensively for the Cats, scoring only 8 points in the first 7 minutes. Bad shooting plagued both teams and led to both teams shooting 38% from the field at the 12 minute mark. The cats missed their first six three pointers until DJ Wagner made his first attempt to continue his good shooting from last game. Vanderbilt took a six point lead on back-to-back three-pointers which prompted a timeout by the Kentucky bench. Despite the poor three-point shooting to begin the game, Kentucky made their last four three point attempts of the half taking a 45 to 40 lead into the locker room.
Justin Edwards scored the first 8 points of the second half for the Cats allowing them to maintain a small lead. Better offense allowed Kentucky to push their lead to double-digits with just over 10 minutes left in the game. Rob Dillingham took over in the second half and helped the time push the lead up to 19points. Steady play the rest of the game allowed Kentucky to win the game 93 to 77.
Rob Dillingham led the Wildcats in scoring with 23 points and had 5 assists. Reed Sheppard fell just short of a double-double with 8 points, but had 11 assists. Antonio Reeves recorded his 6thstraight 20point game with 20 points and grabbed 6 rebounds (tied for the most on the team). Despite only scoring6 points, Adou Thiero was the +/-leader with a +23.
Kentucky has one last test of the regular season and it will be a tough one. The next game will take placein Knoxville against the Volunteers on Saturday in a 4pm matchup.
