Mikayla Blakes delivered a dominant performance with 38 points to propel No. 5 Vanderbilt to an 89-84 win over Mississippi State on Thursday night, securing the Commodores’ first-ever 18-0 start to a season. The victory at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Mississippi, not only extended Vanderbilt’s school-record winning streak but also marked their best beginning in Southeastern Conference play since the 1992-93 season.
Blakes, a sophomore guard, was nearly flawless from the field and the free-throw line. She connected on five three-pointers and made all 11 of her free-throw attempts, showcasing her scoring versatility and composure under pressure. Additionally, she contributed seven assists, highlighting her ability to facilitate for her teammates while shouldering the scoring load. Her season-high 38 points came at a crucial time as Vanderbilt faced a competitive Mississippi State team.
Vanderbilt’s success was not solely dependent on Blakes, as other players stepped up to support the effort. Justine Pissott added 12 points, while Aiyana Mitchell chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds, providing valuable interior presence. The balanced scoring attack allowed the Commodores to maintain offensive efficiency throughout the game, even when Mississippi State attempted to rally in the later stages.
The game’s decisive moment came in the third quarter when Vanderbilt unleashed a 21-6 run to break open a tight contest. This surge gave the Commodores a comfortable lead that they managed to protect despite a late push from the Bulldogs. The run exemplified Vanderbilt’s depth and strategic execution, with key defensive stops leading to fast-break opportunities and open shots.
On the other side, Mississippi State, now 14-5 overall and 1-4 in SEC play, was led by Madison Francis with 15 points. The Bulldogs showed resilience, keeping the game competitive until Vanderbilt’s third-quarter explosion, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Commodores’ offensive firepower. This loss adds to Mississippi State’s challenges in a tough conference schedule, as they look to rebound in their upcoming games.
With this win, Vanderbilt improves to 5-0 in SEC play, a feat not achieved in over three decades, and solidifies their position as a top contender in women’s college basketball. The 18-0 start surpasses the previous school record of 17-0 set in the 1992-93 season, underscoring the historic nature of this team’s achievements under current coaching and player development.
Looking ahead, Vanderbilt is set to face Michigan on Monday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, in a non-conference matchup that will test their momentum. Meanwhile, Mississippi State will host Kentucky on Sunday, aiming to get back on track in conference play. These upcoming games will be critical for both teams as they navigate the latter half of the season and prepare for postseason tournaments.
In broader context, Blakes’ performance adds to her growing reputation as one of the nation’s elite players, following her record-breaking freshman season. Vanderbilt’s unbeaten streak has captured national attention, positioning them for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament and raising expectations for a deep postseason run. As the season progresses, the Commodores will aim to maintain their focus and continue building on this unprecedented start.
