Vanderbilt Beats Kentucky Behind Mikayla Blakes' 37 Points

Commodores overcome Kentucky's hot shooting to win on the road in SEC thriller

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:47pm

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Vanderbilt sophomore Mikayla Blakes scored 37 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Commodores to an 84-83 road victory over Kentucky in a back-and-forth SEC matchup. Vanderbilt overcame Kentucky's 56% shooting from the field and 50% from three-point range, as well as a 39-21 rebounding disadvantage, by forcing 20 Wildcat turnovers and converting them into 25 points.

Why it matters

This was a crucial road win for Vanderbilt, which has the toughest remaining schedule in the country, with every opponent except Georgia ranked in the top 25. The victory over a top-20 conference foe boosts the Commodores' NCAA Tournament resume.

The details

Vanderbilt started the game well, leading 19-16 after the first quarter, but Kentucky responded with a 13-2 run to take a 38-34 halftime lead. The teams continued to trade runs, with Kentucky building a 54-45 advantage late in the third quarter before Vanderbilt rallied to take a 61-58 lead heading into the fourth. Blakes then took over, scoring 19 points in the final frame, including a key three-pointer that gave the Commodores a 72-62 lead they would not relinquish. Freshman Aubrey Galvan also played a crucial role, going 7-for-7 from the free throw line in the closing seconds to help seal the victory.

  • Vanderbilt led 19-16 after the first quarter.
  • Kentucky ended the first half on a 13-2 run to take a 38-34 lead.
  • Kentucky built a 54-45 advantage late in the third quarter.
  • Vanderbilt rallied to take a 61-58 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
  • Mikayla Blakes scored 19 points in the fourth quarter.

The players

Mikayla Blakes

A sophomore guard for Vanderbilt who scored a game-high 37 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Commodores to victory.

Aubrey Galvan

A freshman point guard for Vanderbilt who went 7-for-7 from the free throw line in the closing seconds to help seal the win.

Sacha Washington

A Vanderbilt player who followed up a strong performance against Florida with another great game, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the field to finish with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Shea Ralph

The head coach of the Vanderbilt women's basketball team, who praised her team's ability to capitalize on Kentucky's turnovers and hold on for the road victory.

Asia Boone

A Kentucky player who hit a three-pointer that gave the Wildcats their largest lead of the game at 54-45 in the third quarter.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really proud of my team. At the end of the day, it's a road win in the SEC. Getting outrebounded the way we did, but also being able to capitalize on their turnovers, is the difference in the game. It was rebounding vs. turnovers.”

— Shea Ralph, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Women's Basketball

“My freshman point guard had four huge free throws at the end of the game. She had great ball security and really ran the team in the second half. That made all the difference.”

— Shea Ralph, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Women's Basketball

What’s next

Vanderbilt's next game is a huge matchup at home against #11 Oklahoma on Monday night.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's ability to force turnovers and capitalize on them, along with the heroics of sophomore Mikayla Blakes, allowed the Commodores to overcome Kentucky's hot shooting and rebounding advantage to secure a crucial road win in SEC play.