Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Prediction 2/28/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Vanderbilt Commodores and the Kentucky Wildcats meet Saturday in college basketball action from Rupp Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Kentucky Wildcats prediction.

Vanderbilt Commodores Recap

The Vanderbilt Commodores come into this game looking to add on to their 88-80 win over Georgia last time out to sit at 22-6 this season. After this game, Vanderbilt will head on the road for a game against Ole Miss.

Commodores Snap Two-Game Skid

Tyler Tanner leads the ‘Dores with 17.8 PPG and in assists with 5.1 APG along with 3.5 RPG while Duke Miles has 16.6 PPG with 3 RPG and 4.3 APG. Tyler Nickel has 14.5 PPG with 3.2 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Vanderbilt so far this season. Devin McGlockton has 9.8 PPG with 6.8 RPG to lead Vanderbilt in rebounding and Jalen Washington has 8.9 PPG with 5.4 RPG. As a team, Vanderbilt is averaging 88.8 PPG on 48.7% shooting from the field, 35.8% from three and 77% from the foul line this season.

Kentucky Wildcats Recap

The Kentucky Wildcats come into this game looking to add on to their 72-63 win over South Carolina last time out to sit at 18-10 this season. After this game, Kentucky will head on the road for a game against Texas A&M.

Wildcats Snap Three-Game Slide

Otega Oweh leads the Wildcats in scoring with 17 PPG along with 4.4 RPG and 2.5 APG while Denzel Aberdeen has 12.5 PPG with 2.4 RPG and a team-high 3.2 APG to lead Kentucky in assists as the only other double-digit scorer for Kentucky so far this season. Collin Chandler has 9.7 PPG with 3 RPG and 2.2 APG while Malachi Moreno has 8.5 PPG with a team-high 6.4 RPG and Mouhamed Diabate has 8.4 PPG with 5.4 RPG this season. As a team, Kentucky is averaging 81.6 PPG on 47% shooting from the field, 34.9% from three and 72.4% from the foul line this season.

Vanderbilt Commodores @ Kentucky Wildcats Betting Trends: February 28, 2026

Why the Kentucky Wildcats will win

• Kentucky has won 34 of its last 37 day games against Conference opponents at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
• Vanderbilt has lost three of its last four games following a home win.
• The home team has won the first half in each of Vanderbilt’s last four games.

Why the Vanderbilt Commodores will win

• Vanderbilt has won 13 of its last 15 games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• Kentucky has lost each of its last three games when playing with a rest advantage.
• Vanderbilt has won the first half in 15 of its last 16 day games as an AP-ranked team.

Total Points Facts

• Each of the last six day games between Vanderbilt and Kentucky have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
• Six of Vanderbilt’s last seven games at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Kentucky ranks 36th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (4.6).
• Kentucky ranks 49th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (38.4).
• Vanderbilt ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.3).
• Vanderbilt ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (87.3).

Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Kentucky Wildcats Prediction

I’m on Vanderbilt here. I just think that the Commodores are the better team here, and while Kentucky could really use a win to strengthen their NCAA tournament resume, We’ve seen the Wildcats struggle in better spots than this and one win over South Carolina doesn’t move the needle a whole lot for me here. Give me Vanderbilt.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Vanderbilt +1.5