NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Kentucky team visits a Vanderbilt squad boasting one of the nation’s best records in a pivotal Southeastern Conference men’s basketball clash Tuesday night at Memorial Gymnasium. The Wildcats (14-6, 5-2 SEC) have won five of their last six, including four straight, entering the matchup. Their recent success has been fueled by guard Otega Oweh, who is averaging 20.1 points over his last seven games. Oweh scored 23 points in Kentucky’s 72-63 home win over Mississippi last Saturday. However, they face a formidable challenge in the Commodores (17-3, 5-2), who are receiving votes in the AP Top 25 and are 11-0 at home this season. Vanderbilt is coming off a dominant 88-56 road victory at Mississippi State, led by sophomore guard Tyler Tanner’s 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. Tanner has been a catalyst, averaging 20.3 points and 6.0 assists per game in SEC play. The matchup features contrasting strengths. Kentucky’s offense has found its rhythm during its win streak, averaging 80.8 points in conference games. Vanderbilt counters with a defense that has held opponents to 56.0 points per game at Memorial Gym this season. Kentucky holds a significant historical edge in the series, but Vanderbilt’s home-court advantage is pronounced. The Commodores’ three losses this season all came on the road against ranked opponents (Arkansas, Texas, Florida). A win for Vanderbilt would solidify its status as a conference contender, while Kentucky seeks a statement road victory to bolster its NCAA tournament resume. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.