Texas
Vanderbilt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (02/12/2026) — The No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores sent a powerful message to the rest of the Southeastern Conference on Thursday night, defending their home court with an authoritative 86-70 victory over the No. 4 Texas Longhorns. Vanderbilt's offense was electric, overwhelming the Longhorns with superior shooting in front of a crowd of 5,173 at Memorial Gymnasium.
How It Happened
The story of the game was Vanderbilt's remarkable offensive efficiency. The Commodores shot a blistering 51% from the field and an incredible 47% from three-point range, setting a pace Texas could not match. The Longhorns struggled offensively, connecting on just 38% of their field goals and a frigid 20% from beyond the arc. While Texas held a slight edge in assists with 16, their shooting woes were too significant to overcome.
Vanderbilt established control early, jumping out to a 27-15 lead by the end of the first quarter after a 14-0 run and finishing the half with a commanding 47-30 advantage. The Commodores were led by an explosive performance from NCAA scoring leader Mikayla Blakes, who poured in 34 points. She was complemented by a strong all-around game from Aubrey Galvan, who added 18 points and eight rebounds. For the Longhorns, Madison Booker led the effort with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Breya Cunningham contributed 14 points before fouling out.
Turning Point
The decisive moment came early. After Texas took a brief 7-4 lead, Vanderbilt ignited for a massive 14-0 run in the first quarter that seized momentum and control of the contest. During that stretch, the Commodores were nearly perfect, hitting 9-of-12 shots to build a double-digit lead they would never relinquish. This early offensive explosion, fueled by precise shooting, put the Longhorns on their heels for the remainder of the game.
Star of the Game
Mikayla Blakes was the undeniable star of the evening. The Vanderbilt guard put on a scoring clinic, finishing with a game-high 34 points. It marked her fourth consecutive game with 30 or more points and her ninth such performance of the season, further cementing her status as one of the nation's elite scorers. Blakes' ability to score from all levels of the court was the primary driver of Vanderbilt's dominant offensive display.
What It Means
For Vanderbilt, this victory is a major statement. Defeating a top-five opponent like Texas extends their home winning streak to 14 games and marks their third straight win over a Top 25 team. The win improves their record to 24-2 (10-2 SEC) and solidifies their position as a contender for the SEC crown.
For Texas, the loss drops them to 23-3 (9-3 SEC) and serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of winning on the road in the SEC. The Longhorns' offensive struggles, particularly from three-point range, will be a key area of focus as they look to rebound. Despite the loss, Texas will have an opportunity to bounce back quickly with another ranked matchup on the road against No. 22 Tennessee on Sunday.