Women’s Basketball: Vanderbilt downs Kentucky at home, 81-79 – The Vanderbilt Hustler

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No.5 Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball faced No. 16 Kentucky in a head-to-head battle that kept the audience on its toes the whole way through. Although the Commodores trailed most of the game, they were able to overcome the deficit and emerge victorious 81-79. Leading the way to the nail-biting win were Aubrey Galvan, Mikayla Blakes, Ava Black and Justine Pissott. 
“I just think that is how we win games here, I mean, everybody’s locked in on what they’re supposed to be doing, and when they got on the floor, they produce,” Blakes said after the game.  
The game was meant to celebrate seniors Jada Brown, Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, Justine Pissott, and Sacha Washington and the win did just that. The victory also secured the Commodores a double bye in the SEC Tournament.
“[The double-bye] couldn’t be more valuable, especially with that stretch we’ve had,” head coach Shea Ralph said.  
First quarter 
In the first quarter, the Commodores got off to a slow start after they lost the tip-off. Conversely, Kentucky capitalized on its opportunities, going up 18 to 8 with 4:51 to go in the first quarter. The Wildcats primary point production came from beyond the arc, where they scored 12 of those 18 points. 
After a media timeout, Vanderbilt came back with a different urgency. Both Blakes and Galvan sank 3-pointers. Black, Aiyana Mitchell and Pissott also contributed on the offensive side. However, the Commodores’ defense continued to struggle with Kentucky’s mobility; they often lost track of its personnel, allowing the Wildcats to get open looks. 
Second quarter  
The second quarter brought a continued shootout between the two teams. The early deficit haunted Vanderbilt, as despite cutting into it they were never able to take the lead back in the first half. Kentucky added to its already hot night from beyond the arc, tallying seven 3-pointers by the end of the half and shooting 50% from the field. The Commodores rivaled that with six 3-pointers and a shooting percentage of 53% themselves.   
Galvan was a difference maker, racking up 10 points in the second quarter with her assertive play. As usual, Blakes was dominant with 17 points and three rebounds in the first half. Mitchell had a strong defensive presence, securing five rebounds in 10 minutes on the court. Vanderbilt struggled with keeping possession and making good passes, though, which slowed momentum and prevented it from taking the lead. 
Third quarter  
Vanderbilt was able to take a 51-51 lead in the third quarter off a jumper from Galvan, after almost eliminating the deficit in the first and second quarters. But Kentucky fought back, adding a bucket to even the score and leaving both teams fighting for the upper hand. The lead continued to switch back and forth between the two teams, but Kentucky pulled ahead, forcing Vanderbilt to take a timeout. A last-second jump shot from Galvan would narrow the score to 65-61 in favor of Kentucky 
Fourth quarter  
Black started the fourth quarter for Vanderbilt with a layup, and the Commodore defense was able to grab the ball back, shutting Kentucky down from any points to start. Then, Blakes started to catch fire. The sophomore nailed back-to-back layups, a free throw, and a jumper to put the ‘Dores back in the lead 70-69. Her leadership was clear on the court as she commanded the defense and carried the ball back to her side of the court.  
The energy changed this quarter; Vanderbilt seemed to want the win more. 
But Kentucky hung around making the game come down to the wire. The Commodores trailed 74-72 again with 5:09 left in the game. These teams were freakishly well-matched, within 5% of each other in field goals, three pointers, and free throws. A big bucket by Pissott tied the game once again at 77-77 with 2:21 left on the clock. Black recorded a rebound, her ninth of the game, to set Blakes up for a free throw.  
With 32 seconds left in regulation, the ‘Dores trailed Kentucky 79-78. At seven seconds, Galvan hit a jumper to put her team back in the lead by one. A foul was called on Vanderbilt, but then Pissott came through with a big turnover and was promptly fouled. The one free throw would secure the ‘Dores a win and account for Blakes’ 35th point of the day. 
Vanderbilt will next host Alabama at Memorial Gymnasium Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. CST. The game can be viewed on SEC Network+. 
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