TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In an impressive display of skill and determination, freshman Mikayla Blakes led the Vanderbilt Commodores to a thrilling 66-64 victory over the 19th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide on Sunday, scoring a remarkable 33 points. Teammate Khamil Pierre made notable contributions with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker put together a standout performance of her own, racking up 36 points along with nine rebounds, three assists, and four steals, marking her first game back since suffering a lower leg injury on January 2. Although Barker’s effort shone brightly, it was Blakes’ finishing touch that was critical to Vanderbilt’s triumph.
As the game drew to a close, Vanderbilt held a slim 57-51 lead with just five minutes remaining. Barker quickly closed the gap by nailing a three-pointer and later converting a layup to even the score at 60 with just two minutes left in the game. Blakes responded by scoring five consecutive points, extending Vanderbilt’s lead to 65-60. With 41 seconds on the clock, Barker’s three-pointer brought Alabama back to within two points at 65-63.
In a nail-biting moment with only 13 seconds remaining, Barker secured the rebound following a missed shot from Vanderbilt. Following a timeout, though under pressure, she attempted a layup but was unable to convert. Blakes then managed to hit one of her two free throws, giving Vanderbilt a 66-63 advantage. Vanderbilts’s defense then fouled Barker, who successfully made her first free throw but missed the second; Vanderbilt claimed the rebound to secure their victory.
The game was fraught with challenges for Alabama, featuring 23 turnovers, including 17 steals by Vanderbilt—five of those accomplished by Pierre. After leading 34-27 at halftime, Alabama was up by nine points early in the third quarter at 41-32. However, a significant shift in momentum occurred as Vanderbilt went on to score the final 12 points of the quarter, benefiting from six turnovers committed by Alabama, who missed three shots during that stretch. The Commodores ended the third quarter with a 17-7 run, taking a three-point lead, 44-41, into the final period.
This victory marked an outstanding weekend for Vanderbilt basketball, as their men’s team also celebrated a victory over No. 9 Kentucky just a day prior, making this win the second time in merely eight days that the women’s team has triumphed against a ranked opponent.
Looking ahead, Alabama (17-4, 4-3 in the SEC) is set to face No. 11 Kentucky on Thursday, while Vanderbilt (17-4, 4-3) will play against Florida.
