The Kentucky Wildcats begin a challenging stretch of SEC contests when they travel to Nashville tonight to face the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Collin Chandler has been making key shots for the Wildcats during their five-game winning streak. I explain why we’re keying on him to make important plays again in my Kentucky vs Vanderbilt predictions and college basketball picks for Tuesday, January 27.
Kentucky vs Vanderbilt prediction
Kentucky vs Vanderbilt best bet: Collin Chandler Over 10.5 points (+110)
The Kentucky Wildcats couldn’t buy consistent outside shooting for the first half of the season. But since SEC play began, they have shot 35.8% from beyond the arc, which is second-best in the conference.
Collin Chandler has raised his percentage quite a bit over the past few weeks, connecting on 42.9% of his treys in SEC play. And during the past four games, he’s hit on almost 48% from deep. It’s a big reason why his minutes have increased steadily as he played a season-high 34 against Mississippi.
He’s not just averaging 12.8 points per game over those four outings because of his outside shot. Chandler is attacking the rim more consistently.
It’s led to some easy baskets, but also more free-throw attempts. That’s why he’s scored six points from the charity stripe each of the last two games.
The Vanderbilt Commodores have struggled mightily in two areas since beginning SEC play — defending the rim and doing so without fouling. Vanderbilt ranks dead last in 2-point defense in conference games, allowing opponents to connect on 57.8% of shots inside the arc.
Despite having a solid blocked-shot rate, the Dores have given up big offensive efficiency marks to every team except lowly Mississippi State. And that won’t get the job done against this Kentucky offense.
Vandy plays at one of the highest tempos in college basketball, and this game will likely turn into a track meet at times. With how many open looks the Commodores are allowing, and how well Chandler is playing, I love getting him at plus money to score at least 11 points for the fourth straight game.
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Kentucky vs Vanderbilt same-game parlay
Chandler’s increased minutes haven’t just shown up at the offensive end. He’s crashing the glass of late, grabbing seven boards in each of his last two games. Vanderbilt is the worst offensive-rebounding team in the SEC, and getting to five boards shouldn’t be difficult with how often the Dores shoot from deep.
A fair amount of those outside shots will come from Tyler Tanner, who is connecting at a 40.2% rate. Vandy’s leading scorer has made multiple treys in three of his last four games, and the Wildcats rank 11th in the SEC in defending the arc.
Kentucky vs Vanderbilt SGP
- Collin Chandler Over 10.5 points
- Collin Chandler Over 4.5 rebounds
- Tyler Tanner Over 1.5 made threes
Our beyond the arc SGP: Vandy Waits Kentucky Out
The Wildcats are still struggling with offensive lapses, and they rank in the middle of the SEC in both offensive and defensive efficiency since conference play began. They’ll be competitive, but Vanderbilt should pull away late as it rides the home crowd and knocks down free throws to cover the spread.
Kentucky vs Vanderbilt SGP
- Collin Chandler Over 10.5 points
- Collin Chandler Over 4.5 rebounds
- Tyler Tanner Over 1.5 made threes
- Vanderbilt -6.5
Kentucky vs Vanderbilt odds
- Spread: Kentucky +7.5 (-115)| Vanderbilt -7.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Kentucky +270 | Vanderbilt -340
- Over/Under: Over 159.5 (-110) | Under 159.5 (-110)
Kentucky vs Vanderbilt betting trend to know
Vanderbilt has hit the 1H Game Total Over in 22 of their last 33 games (+9.30 Units / 25% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt.
How to watch Kentucky vs Vanderbilt
| Location | Memorial Gymnasium, Nashville, TN |
| Date | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Kentucky vs Vanderbilt key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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