LEXINGTON, Ky. _ History was bound to happen in Rupp Arena on Wednesday night. Either Kentucky would extend Vanderbilt's losing streak to a record 25 straight Southeastern Conference regular-season games. Or Vandy would defeat a ranked UK team in Lexington for only the second time in 53 games.
Kentucky won 71-62, but it wasn't the romp that Vandy's losing streak and a pile of other numbers seemed to guarantee.
Vandy, which ranked last (six) or next-to-last (eight) in 14 of the SEC's 21 statistical categories, led by 10 points early in the second half. No. 13 Kentucky, which improved to 16-4 overall and 6-1 in the SEC, did not take the lead for good until Immanuel Quickley made two free throws with 8:33 left.
Nick Richards' foul trouble gave UK an added obstacle. Despite playing only three-plus minutes in a scoreless first half, he finished with his ninth double-double (and fifth in the last nine games) with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Vanderbilt, 8-12 overall and 0-7 in the SEC, stayed close by making nine three-pointers (or four more than in any game since leading scorer Aaron Nesmith was sidelined with a stress fracture).
Rather than the expected romp (stats savant Ken Pomeroy said UK had a 94% chance of winning), a familiar continued. It became the 14th UK game this season in which the margin separating the teams was seven or fewer points going into the final seven minutes.
Kentucky's defense stepped up down the stretch. Vandy had one basket in the final 9:02, and none in the final 5:38.
Vandy came into the game ranked last in shooting in league games. The Commodores had made only 34.4% of their shots. Vandy made 14 of 27 shots (51.9%) in the first half.
Vandy made seven of 27 shots in the second half.
