NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a crucial top-10 Southeastern Conference clash on Monday night at Memorial Gymnasium, the No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores delivered a commanding performance, defeating the No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners 102-86.
This victory not only showcased Vanderbilt’s explosive offense but also highlighted their resilience after trailing in the first half of recent games.
The Commodores (23-2 overall, 9-2 in SEC play) exploded out of the gate, flipping the script on their recent trend. After being outscored in the opening halves of their previous four contests, Vanderbilt erupted for 59 points before halftime, building a commanding 19-point lead. They shot an impressive 63% from the field in the first half, overwhelming the Sooners’ defense and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Star guard Mikayla Blakes was the standout performer, pouring in 34 points to lead all scorers. The sophomore sensation, known for her scoring prowess and quickness, added six assists while helping Vanderbilt maintain control throughout. Blakes’ efficient scoring was complemented by a career-high 30 points from Aubrey Galvan, who erupted for 17 in the first half alone.
Galvan’s previous career best was 20 points in Vanderbilt’s earlier win over No. 7 Michigan on January 19. Justine Pissott contributed 16 points, while Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda added 13 points and nine rebounds, providing solid support inside.
The game started with Oklahoma grabbing the early advantage when Payton Verhulst drained a 3-pointer just eight seconds in. However, Vanderbilt responded immediately—Pissott answered with a trey of her own, igniting a 12-2 run that put the Commodores ahead for good.
Vanderbilt’s lead ballooned to its largest at 51-25 when Blakes converted a three-point play with 6:17 remaining in the second quarter.Defensively, Vanderbilt capitalized on Oklahoma’s struggles, forcing 21 turnovers that translated into 26 points. The Commodores’ pressure disrupted the Sooners’ rhythm, preventing any meaningful comeback despite Oklahoma’s efforts in the second half.
For the Sooners (17-6, 5-5 in SEC), the loss marked their second straight defeat against a top-five opponent. Raegan Beers led the way with her nation-leading 17th double-double of the season, finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds—her 62nd career double-double—before fouling out late.
Sahara Williams added a double-double of her own with 17 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes, marking her career-high sixth of the season. True freshman Aaliyah Chavez scored 14 points, going a perfect 7-for-8 inside the arc but struggling from deep (0-for-11 on 3s).
Payton Verhulst chipped in 14 points and a team-high five assists, while Brooklyn Stewart set a career high with 13 points.Oklahoma shot 45% overall but couldn’t overcome Vanderbilt’s hot shooting (47% for the game) or the early deficit.
The 102 points allowed were the most for the Sooners this season and their highest since surrendering 107 to LSU last year. This snapped a 17-game winning streak when shooting 45% or better from the field.T
he defeat drops Oklahoma to 17-6, as they continue navigating a challenging SEC slate under fifth-year head coach Jennie Baranczyk. Vanderbilt’s win matches their best start through 25 games in program history, equaling the 1992-93 Final Four squad.
UP NEXT: Oklahoma returns home to host Florida on Thursday, February 12, at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, tipping off at 6 p.m. CT. This marks their only home game in a tough five-game stretch.
Last season, the Sooners defeated the Gators by 24 points in Gainesville, providing a potential spark for a rebound.
