Wiltjer's jumper puts Kentucky ahead to stay after blowing 16-point lead, downs Vandy 60-58

Kentucky head coach John Calipari directs forward Nerlens Noel, right, in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Vanderbilt on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (The Associated Press)

Vanderbilt forward Rod Odom (0) drives against Kentucky forward Nerlens Noel, right, in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. Watching at left is Vanderbilt center Josh Henderson (40). (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (The Associated Press)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kyle Wiltjer's jumper with 1:57 left put Kentucky ahead to stay, and the Wildcats kicked off their Southeastern Conference schedule Thursday night by holding off Vanderbilt 60-58 after blowing a 16-point lead.

The Wildcats (10-4) also seemed to get a bit of help from officials in the final seconds.

Nerlens Noel hit a jumper with 17.3 seconds left that went in after the shot clock buzzer went off, and Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings took a timeout to plead his case. Officials didn't review the play. Kedren Johnson made a 3 with 7.6 seconds left to pull Vandy within 60-58, and Kyle Fuller stole the inbound pass with 6.7 seconds to go giving Vandy a last chance.

But Johnson's 3 hit the rim just before the buzzer as the rally fell short for Vanderbilt (6-7).

Ryan Harrow led Kentucky with 16 points, Noel had 13 and Archie Goodwin 12.