US EditionMikayla Blakes scores 38, Vanderbilt women's basketball sets record for best start to season at 18-0
Mikayla Blakes scored 38 points, including five 3-pointers and seven assists, leading Vanderbilt to a 5-0 start in SEC play and a school-record 18-0 season opening streak.
- On Jan. 15, 2026, Vanderbilt defeated Mississippi State 89-84 at Humphrey Coliseum, marking the Commodores' best start at 18-0.
- Using dominant scoring and free-throw accuracy, Blakes scored 38 points, five 3s, and went 11-for-11 from the line during third-quarter runs.
- After a sloppy start with turnovers and defensive-rebounding problems, Vanderbilt guard Justine Pissott scored 12 and Vanderbilt forward Aiyana Mitchell added 10 points and eight rebounds.
- The result created program history as Vanderbilt's 18-game run is the longest streak in school history, while Mississippi State dropped to 14-5.
- Vanderbilt is 5-0 in SEC play for the first time since 1992-93 and now faces Michigan on Monday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Associated Press News
Blakes scores 38 points, No. 5 Vanderbilt beats Mississippi State for first 18-0 start
Mikayla Blakes scored a season-high 38 points and No. 5 Vanderbilt won its school-record 18th straight game to open the season, beating Mississippi State 89-84 on Thursday night.
No. 5 Vanderbilt 89, Mississippi St. 84
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MSU comes close, but can't wrestle win from No. 5 Vandy
STARKVILLE – The Bulldogs had hope again, if only for a few seconds. Saniyah King’s quick bucket was followed by a quick press for a jump ball, leading to a quick Destiney McPhaul bucket to pull MSU to within five points in the final minutes. A steal by Chandler Prater on the next possession got the crowd going again, and in a flash, the ball was in the hands of Jaylah Lampley for a corner three-point shot. The real dagger didn’t come from a Van…
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