Davion Mintz hit a 3 in the final minute to help Kentucky avoid the first three-game losing streak in Rupp Arena history with a 77-74 victory over Vanderbilt.
With the game tied at 74 and leading scorer Olivier Sarr having fouled out, Kentucky coach John Calipari drew up a play that got Mintz an open three in the corner with 47 seconds remaining. Sophomore forward Jacob Toppin blocked Vanderbilt’s attempt at an answer on the ensuing possession, and freshman forward Isaiah Jackson grabbed the rebound to give Kentucky the ball.
Vanderbilt coach Jerry Stackhouse elected to have his team defend the length of the shot clock instead of sending Kentucky to the line on the next possession. That strategy paid off with Mintz missing a jumper with just 13 seconds remaining in the game, but the Commodores were unable to convert two 3-point attempts that could have sent the game to overtime.
