Pioneering Milestone Achieved in Women’s History
The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team achieved a significant milestone by maintaining a perfect record of 18-0 with their recent victory over Mississippi State. This win solidifies their status for the best season start in school history, as they claimed an 89-84 win on January 12, 2026. The triumph also represents the longest winning streak at any point in the program’s history.
Pioneering Milestones in Women’s History: Vanderbilt’s Triumph
The Commodores’ success is particularly remarkable as it marks the longest active winning streak in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the third-longest in NCAA Division I basketball. With a flawless start in SEC play at 5-0, Vanderbilt hasn’t achieved this level since the 1992-93 season.
Key Performances
Sophomore Mikayla Blakes shone brightly in this matchup, scoring a season-high of 38 points. She shot 47.8 percent from the field, made five 3-pointers, and converted all 11 of her free throw attempts. Furthermore, Blakes added seven assists to her impressive performance, extending her double-digit scoring streak to 37 games, the longest in the SEC.
- Mikayla Blakes: 38 points, 11-of-23 shooting, 11-of-11 from the free throw line
- Justine Pissott: 12 points, four 3-pointers
- Aiyana Mitchell: 10 points, eight rebounds
Game Highlights
The game turned in Vanderbilt’s favor during the third quarter with a powerful 21-6 run, allowing them to transform a four-point deficit into an 11-point lead. Despite a late push from Mississippi State, the Commodores held their ground to secure a five-point victory.
Coaching Insights
Head Coach Shea Ralph praised her team’s resilience in what she described as a gritty game. She acknowledged the physicality of SEC matchups and emphasized the importance of contributing collectively to win. Ralph noted that while achieving the best start in program history is significant, the ultimate goal remains to win championships.
Next Steps
The Commodores will conclude their three-game road trip on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They will face Michigan in the 2026 Coretta Scott King Classic, scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey. The game will take place at Prudential Center, with a tip-off time of 1:30 p.m. CT, broadcasted nationwide on FOX.
Additional Records and Facts
- Vanderbilt is 38-25 all-time against Mississippi State.
- They are 13-15 in games played at Humphrey Coliseum against the Bulldogs.
- This victory marks Vanderbilt’s back-to-back wins over Mississippi State for the first time in over a decade.
For more information on Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball journey, follow @VandyWBB on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X.
