Vanderbilt Commodores Triumph Over Oklahoma
In a high-scoring showdown in Nashville, the Vanderbilt Commodores showcased their offensive prowess by overcoming No. 10 Oklahoma with a commanding 102-86 victory on Monday night. Mikayla Blakes emerged as the standout player for the fifth-ranked Commodores, contributing a remarkable 34 points to lead her team, now boasting a season record of 23-2 and 9-2 in the Southeastern Conference.
Game Highlights
The game began with Oklahoma’s Payton Verhulst nailing a three-pointer just eight seconds into the match, giving the Sooners a brief advantage in a contest that quickly turned into Vanderbilt’s favor. Following that initial score, Vanderbilt responded vigorously with a 12-2 run sparked by a three-point shot from Justine Pissott, establishing a lead they would never relinquish.
By halftime, Vanderbilt’s offense had amassed 59 points, leading to a commanding 19-point gap as they headed into the locker room. The Commodores’ largest lead came in the second quarter when Blakes completed a three-point play, extending the score to 51-25 with 6:17 remaining in the half.
Player Performances
Aubrey Galvan matched her career best by scoring 30 points, with an impressive 17 of those coming before halftime, surpassing her previous record of 20 set earlier this season against the highly-ranked Michigan team. Alongside Galvan, Pissott added 16 points, while Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda contributed 13 points along with nine rebounds.
Despite their offensive efforts, Oklahoma struggled with ball control, committing 21 turnovers that allowed Vanderbilt to capitalize with 26 points from those opportunities. For the Sooners, Raegan Beers notched her 62nd career double-double, tallying 19 points and 11 rebounds, although she was disqualified with four minutes remaining due to foul trouble. Sahara Williams and Aaliyah Chavez also made contributions with 17 points and 14 points, respectively, although Chavez faced shooting difficulties, missing all 11 of her three-point attempts.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Commodores will prepare to host No. 4 Texas, while Oklahoma is set to face Florida in their next matchup. The upcoming games are crucial as teams position themselves for the postseason.
