Vanderbilt Women's Basketball Advances to March Madness Round of 32

Commodores defeat High Point in first round, led by record-breaking performances

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:39am

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The No. 2 seed Vanderbilt women's basketball team defeated No. 15 seed High Point 102-61 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Vanderbilt was led by SEC Player of the Year Mikayla Blakes, who broke the program's single-season scoring record, and forward Sacha Washington, who tied the school's NCAA record for rebounds in a game. The Commodores dominated the paint and the boards, outscoring High Point 46-30 in the paint and outrebounding them 56-26. With the victory, Vanderbilt advances to the Round of 32 where they will face No. 7 seed Illinois on Monday.

Why it matters

Vanderbilt's dominant performance in the first round of the NCAA Tournament showcases the team's depth and talent, led by star player Mikayla Blakes. The Commodores' ability to break records and control the game on both ends of the floor demonstrates their potential to make a deep run in the tournament and compete for a national championship.

The details

Mikayla Blakes, the SEC Player of the Year, scored 30 points and broke Vanderbilt's single-season scoring record, which was previously held by Wendy Scholten. Forward Sacha Washington also made history, tying the school's NCAA record for rebounds in a game with 17. As a team, Vanderbilt outscored High Point 46-30 in the paint and outrebounded them 56-26, taking advantage of their size and physicality advantage.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Mikayla Blakes broke Vanderbilt's single-season scoring record in the first half of the game.

The players

Mikayla Blakes

The SEC Player of the Year, Blakes is a prolific scorer who averaged 27 points per game this season and broke Vanderbilt's single-season scoring record.

Sacha Washington

The Vanderbilt forward tied the school's NCAA record for rebounds in a game with 17.

Wendy Scholten

The previous holder of Vanderbilt's single-season scoring record, which Mikayla Blakes broke.

Karen Booker

The previous holder of Vanderbilt's NCAA record for rebounds in a game, which Sacha Washington tied.

Aubrey Galvin

The Vanderbilt guard who contributed 17 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals in the win.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't even realize I broke the record. I was just focused on helping my team win.”

— Mikayla Blakes

What’s next

Vanderbilt will face No. 7 seed Illinois in the Round of 32 on Monday, March 23 at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's dominant performance in the NCAA Tournament opener showcases their depth, talent, and potential to make a deep run. Led by star player Mikayla Blakes and a balanced team effort, the Commodores proved they have the tools to compete for a national championship.