No. 18 Vanderbilt Routs Kentucky 80-55

Tyler Tanner's big night leads Commodores to dominant SEC victory

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tyler Tanner scored 19 points, dished out 5 assists, and had 4 steals as No. 18 Vanderbilt routed visiting Kentucky 80-55 in Nashville. Devin McGlockton added a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds for the Commodores, who led by 21 at halftime and never let the Wildcats get closer than 17 in the second half.

Why it matters

This was a key Southeastern Conference matchup between two ranked teams, with Vanderbilt asserting its dominance at home and handing Kentucky its worst loss of the season so far.

The details

Vanderbilt shot 80% from the free throw line and controlled the tempo, milking the shot clock late in the game. The Commodores held Kentucky to just 32.2% shooting, including a dismal 28.1% in the first half. Vanderbilt's defense was the difference, as the team forced 14 Wildcat turnovers.

  • The game was played on Tuesday night in Nashville, Tennessee.

The players

Tyler Tanner

A key player for No. 18 Vanderbilt, scoring 19 points, dishing 5 assists, and grabbing 4 steals in the win.

Devin McGlockton

Recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds for Vanderbilt.

Otega Oweh

Led Kentucky in scoring with 20 points in the loss.

Denzel Aberdeen

Scored 15 points for Kentucky.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must have been locked in defensively from the start. Holding Kentucky to just 32% shooting is a huge accomplishment.”

— Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt Player

What’s next

Vanderbilt will look to build on this dominant win as it continues SEC play, while Kentucky will aim to rebound in its next conference matchup.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt proved it is a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, delivering a statement win over a ranked Kentucky team with its stifling defense and balanced scoring attack.