Vanderbilt women's basketball upsets Kentucky in thriller

Mikayla Blakes' 37-point performance leads No. 7 Vanderbilt to 85-84 victory over No. 16 Kentucky

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:47pm

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In a thrilling SEC matchup, the No. 7 Vanderbilt women's basketball team defeated the No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats 85-84 on Thursday night. Vanderbilt's star player Mikayla Blakes led the way with an impressive 37-point performance, including 19 points in the crucial fourth quarter to rally her team to victory.

Why it matters

This win is a significant upset for Vanderbilt, as they were able to take down a highly ranked Kentucky squad on the road. It showcases the talent and potential of the Vanderbilt women's basketball program, which has been steadily improving in recent years under head coach Stephanie White.

The details

Blakes was unstoppable for Vanderbilt, shooting an efficient 13-of-22 from the field and 8-of-9 from the free throw line. Her 19 fourth quarter points were crucial in overcoming Kentucky's late lead. Vanderbilt as a team shot 48% from the field and out-rebounded Kentucky 38-32.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Mikayla Blakes

A star player for the Vanderbilt women's basketball team, Blakes led her squad to victory with a dominant 37-point performance.

Stephanie White

The head coach of the Vanderbilt women's basketball team, who has been building the program into a consistent contender in the SEC.

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What they’re saying

“Mikayla was unstoppable tonight. She really put the team on her back and willed us to this big win on the road.”

— Stephanie White, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Women's Basketball

What’s next

Vanderbilt will look to build on this signature win as they continue their SEC schedule, with a matchup against No. 11 South Carolina coming up next on their calendar.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's upset victory over Kentucky demonstrates the growth and potential of their women's basketball program, led by the standout performance of star player Mikayla Blakes. This win could be a springboard for the Commodores to make a deep run in the SEC and NCAA tournaments this season.