The Kentucky Wildcats' NCAA tournament hopes took a huge hit after they were upset by the Vanderbilt Commodores, 64-48, in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament on Friday.
Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky results: Vanderbilt trashes Kentucky in SEC tournament, 64-48
The Vanderbilt Commodores led by 21 at one point as they sent the Kentucky Wildcats to a loss and a now a long wait on Selection Sunday.
Andy Lyons
For more on the story, visit A SEA OF BLUE and ANCHOR OF GOLD
The second-seeded Wildcats looked lost as the 10th-seeded Commodores built a quick lead and kept Kentucky at a very long arm’s length for much of the game, leading by as much as 21.
Now, the Wildcats will have to be in a position that few John Calipari-coached teams find themselves -- firmly planted on the bubble. SB Nation’s Chris Dobbertean had the Wildcats as one of the last four teams into the tournament in his latest bracket. With the loss, Big Blue Nation will have to do some serious cheering for choice teams to ensure an invite to the NCAA tournament.
The upset-minded Commodores, who have now won six of their last seven, still pretty much need to win the SEC tournament to make the NCAA tournament. But, with the balanced scoring and smart shooting they showed on Friday night, the streaking Commodores might have a chance. Dai-Jon Parker, Kevin Bright and Kyle Fuller all scored in double-digits, the team shot 50 percent from the field and was 8-17 from behind the arc.
It was the opposite story for Kentucky, which struggled shooting all game. Archie Goodwin and Kyle Wiltjer each scored in double figures, but that is about the only nice offensive stat line from the Wildcats. Kentucky shot just 34.6 percent from the floor, 28.6 percent from the three-point line and 8-16 from the free throw line.
Vanderbilt’s SEC quest continues on Saturday against the winner between Missouri and Ole Miss.
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