Women’s Basketball: Three takeaways from No. 5 Vanderbilt’s win over Alabama – The Vanderbilt Hustler

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No. 5 Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball (26-3, 12-3 SEC) played its final home game of the regular season Feb. 26 when it toppled the No. 24 Alabama Crimson Tide (21-8, 7-8 SEC), 85-60. The game marked a crucial point in the Commodores’ bid to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament in Memorial Gymnasium. 
The Commodores took a commanding 28-16 lead in the first quarter thanks to lights-out 6-for-13 3-point shooting. The Crimson Tide clawed back in the second quarter, outscoring Vanderbilt 16-8 to make it a 4-point game heading into the half. The Commodores responded with a 31-point third quarter and coasted to victory from there.
Mikayla Blakes once again led the Commodores in scoring with 35 points. Aubrey Galvan was also instrumental, tallying nine assists. 
Blakes and Galvan have often been compared to another iconic duo: Batman and Robin. Truly, Blakes isn’t so different from the famed vigilante, who is known for his deep arsenal of gadgets. 
The sophomore is renowned for her scoring abilities — she went into the game leading the nation in scoring at 26.6 points per game. But what often goes by the wayside is the extent of the star guard’s impact on the game. Even if Blakes were not a prolific scorer, she would still have the profile to fit into any lineup in the country. 
In the first quarter, Blakes drew two charges and could be seen fighting tooth-and-nail for loose balls. Just like Batman, Blakes’ superpower is truly her versatility and the depth to her game. 
Recognition is finally starting to pour in for Blakes. The New Jersey native was named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist. The recognition is well-deserved as well; Blakes is averaging 2.9 steals per game and added four steals against the Crimson Tide. The truly do-it-all player further strengthened her case for National Player of the Year against Alabama. 
The Commodores scored three 3-point plays in the first three minutes of the second half. They also converted on 11 total 3-pointers on the night. The Commodores finished 11-for-35 from deep on the night, beating out their average of 9.6 makes a game. 
Blakes was particularly effective from downtown, sinking six of 13 attempts from beyond the arc. Justine Pissott was also a threat from deep, scoring Vanderbilt’s first 6 points off back-to-back 3-pointers. The Commodores started the game hot from 3-point range off the back of Pissott, ultimately giving them the cushion and confidence to lead the rest of the way.
Jada Brown has been an unsung hero throughout Vanderbilt’s historic season. The senior has picked up an elevated role in her fourth year, playing over 18 minutes a game after averaging only 5.3 her junior year. 
The guard’s numbers do not jump off the stat sheet, but her impact and role in head coach Shea Ralph’s system is obvious; It’s no mystery why she is oftentimes the first person off the bench for the No. 5 team in the nation. 
Brown showed her talent as a capable and persistent defender against Alabama, frequently providing overwhelming help defense and sneaking momentum-swinging steals — she averages the fourth most on the team despite commanding the seventh-most minutes. Her heart and commitment to the program is also palpable, as she is often seen picking up her defensive assignment full-court. Against Alabama, Brown logged 25 minutes, contributing suffocating defense along the way. 
In her final season, the senior was also recognized as a member of the SEC Community Service Team for her volunteer work outside of basketball. It’s clear that Brown has distinguished herself as a leader both on and off the court. 
Brown and co. will return to the court against Tennessee in Knoxville at 1 p.m. CST March 1.
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