Shea Ralph Discusses Vanderbilt Loss and Mikalya Blakes’ Missed Final Shot Decision

The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team faced a tough matchup against Georgia on February 15, 2023, at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens. Despite their impressive victories over top-10 teams recently, the No. 5 Commodores were unable to maintain their momentum and suffered a narrow 76-74 loss to the Bulldogs. This defeat was part of a grueling schedule that saw Vanderbilt playing its third game in just seven days.

Shea Ralph’s Reflection on the Loss

Head Coach Shea Ralph expressed disappointment in her team’s performance, indicating that the Commodores did not play to their full potential. “We can beat every team, but we can also lose to every team,” Ralph noted. She took responsibility for not adequately preparing her squad for the game. Georgia jumped to an early lead, dominating the court with a score of 36-22 at one point in the second quarter.

Commodores’ Comeback Efforts

Despite falling behind, Vanderbilt fought back, thanks in part to their ability to force 18 turnovers from Georgia. The Commodores managed to take a five-point lead in the fourth quarter. Ralph acknowledged the team’s effort but lamented a lack of control over the game’s tempo. “We dug out of the hole and made some big shots, but it never looked like we were fully comfortable,” she stated.

Shooting Struggles and Final Missed Shot

• Vanderbilt struggled with shooting accuracy, finishing the game at 37% (23-of-62) from the field.
• The team was also ineffective from beyond the arc, hitting only 31% (8-of-26) of their three-point attempts.
• Sacha Washington had a chance to tie the game with a hook shot at the buzzer but missed.

Ralph emphasized the need for confidence and resilience, suggesting that players must learn to manage pressure in critical moments. “The ball is not going to go in the basket as it has in previous games,” she explained.

Mikayla Blakes’ Performance Under Pressure

Mikayla Blakes, the nation’s leading scorer at 26.1 points per game, had a challenging outing. She was limited to just eight shot attempts during the game due to Georgia’s defensive pressure. Blakes, however, managed to score 27 points, primarily through free throws, going 19-of-20 from the line.

Ralph mentioned that they intended to involve Blakes in the final play but were met with tight defense. Although Sacha Washington was open for a potential game-tying shot, Ralph reflected on whether they should have prioritized getting the ball to Blakes for free-throw opportunities instead. “We will be in this situation again,” she said, indicating a focus on future improvements.

This loss leaves Vanderbilt with a season record of 24-3 and 10-3 in SEC play, setting the stage for continued adjustment as they move forward. For more updates on Vanderbilt women’s basketball, visit Filmogaz.com.