Will Kentucky basketball beat Vanderbilt today? Our expert prediction – The Courier-Journal

LEXINGTON — Vanderbilt‘s two leading scorers are starting guards Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles. Two other Commodores starters, Tyler Nickel and Devin McGlockton, also are averaging double-figure point totals.
But it’s AK Okereke, the lone starter who isn’t in that category who received the most praise from Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope.
“He’s got unbelievable feet,” Pope said during a news conference Thursday of Okereke, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound forward from California. “He kind of takes the toughest defensive matchup every single game. He’s making shots. He’s a pretty good (isolation) decision maker. He’ll back you down, get to the free throw line.
“I think he has a huge impact on the team.”
Okereke had nine points, four rebounds and two blocks in Vandy’s decisive 80-55 win over UK on Jan. 27 in Nashville.
The Wildcats are up for revenge this afternoon at Rupp Arena, as the Commodores come to town ranked No. 21 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll and 25th in the AP Top 25.
Kentucky (18-10, 9-6 SEC) snapped a three-game losing streak with a win at South Carolina on Tuesday. Vanderbilt (22-6, 9-6) dropped back-to-back outings to Missouri and Tennessee before beating Georgia at home earlier this week.
Here’s what to know about the Wildcats‘ clash with the Commodores today in Lexington:
UK and Vanderbilt are slated to tip off at 2 p.m. today at Rupp Arena.
Record: 18-10 (9-6 SEC)
Betting odds: Kentucky is a 1½-point favorite (+105) on DraftKings, which set the over/under at 155½ points (-110). The moneyline is Kentucky -115, Vanderbilt -105.
Kentucky 85, Vanderbilt 83: Everyone knows it’s hard to beat the same opponent twice in the same season. UK has a little extra incentive for this one, though: After last month’s win, the Commodores said, in no uncertain terms, they knew they could physically bully the Wildcats. Which, to Vanderbilt’s credit, it did: Not only did it flatten UK by 25 points, but the hosts also won the battle on the boards, 43-37. Kentucky’s players haven’t forgotten those comments, which were tantamount to labeling them “soft.” The Wildcats will bring a physical edge this afternoon — don’t be surprised if there are a few hard fouls and at least one technical (bet on Brandon Garrison being responsible for that). Emotions will be running high on both sides, as the clubs are competing not only for a win but also for positioning in the SEC standings, as each enters the matchup with a 9-6 record in conference competition. Playing at home, Kentucky will escape with a two-point victory.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose.  While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.  We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site.  Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.

source