No. 5 Vanderbilt women’s basketball completed its first undefeated home regular season in program history with an 85-60 win over No. 23 Alabama on Feb. 26.
The Commodores (26-3, 12-3 SEC) also set a school record for SEC wins with the victory.
Vanderbilt led wire-to-wire but continued to build its lead late into the fourth quarter with a 13-0 run. Mikayla Blakes finished with 35 points and Sacha Washington had 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
It was the 11th 30-point performance for Blakes.
Vanderbilt finishes its regular season at Tennessee on March 1 and will almost certainly host NCAA tournament games.
Aria Gerson
Vanderbilt led, 74-58, at the media timeout with five minutes to go in the game. Mikayla Blakes is holding at 32 points.
Aria Gerson
Vanderbilt ended the third quarter up 67-48 as Mikayla Blakes beat the buzzer with another 3-pointer, her sixth triple of the game.
Aria Gerson
Vanderbilt built up a 54-39 lead at the third quarter media timeout with 4:45 to go in the period. Mikayla Blakes is up to 24 points.
Aria Gerson
Vanderbilt got off to an 11-0 run to start the third quarter, prompting an Alabama timeout. Mikayla Blakes is up to 20 points and Justine Pissott at 11.
Aria Gerson
A 13-3 run from Alabama midway through the second quarter narrowed Vanderbilt’s lead to 33-29 with 2:45 left in the second quarter.
Aria Gerson
A 10-0 run to end the first quarter gave Vanderbilt a 28-16 lead. Mikayla Blakes banked in a 3-pointer just before the buzzer, giving her 13 points already.
During the break, what was called an Aubrey Galvan two was reviewed and changed to a 3-pointer.
Aria Gerson
The two teams have combined for five 3-pointers as Vanderbilt leads, 13-11, at the media timeout with 4:38 left in the first quarter. Justine Pissott has six points.
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Vanderbilt starting lineup
Alabama starting lineup
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Sacha Washington was removed from the injury report after missing the Kentucky game. For Alabama, freshman Ace Austin is out.
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March 1: at Tennessee
March 4-8: SEC tournament
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Vanderbilt 86, Alabama 76
Aria Gerson
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