After arguably its most impactful win of the year in Fayetteville against Arkansas, Kentucky was unable to carry the momentum against hometown hero Vanderbilt on Friday night, losing 80-73 and exiting the SEC Tournament.
In a Bridgestone Arena that felt more like a home game for the Wildcats in Vanderbilt’s own backyard, the Cats came out energized and jumped out to a 14-4 lead, but Vandy would have different ideas in its own city.
The star of the night for Vanderbilt and the biggest threat for Kentucky’s aspirations of leaving Nashville with an SEC Tournament title was Ezra Manjon, who shot 8-11 and scored 25 points to lead all scorers and push the Commodores over the Wildcats for the second time in two weeks.