Tennessee
Vanderbilt
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (02/28/2026) — The No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores continued their historic season Saturday, securing a record-setting 13th conference win by defeating the Tennessee Lady Volunteers 87-77 at the Food City Center. The victory pushed Vanderbilt to 27-3 on the season (13-3 in the SEC), while Tennessee dropped its sixth consecutive game, falling to 16-12 (8-8 SEC).
How It Happened
The game was a tale of two halves in front of 12,037 fans. The Tennessee Lady Volunteers came out strong, controlling the first half and taking a 43-37 lead into the locker room at halftime. Tennessee's offense was clicking early, fueled by an aggressive performance from guard Talaysia Cooper, who poured in 14 of her team-high 23 points in the opening half. Vanderbilt's high-powered offense was held in check initially but remained within striking distance thanks to 11 first-half points from star guard Mikayla Blakes and 12 from Aubrey Galvan.
Turning Point
The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. Trailing on the road, Vanderbilt unleashed a potent 12-2 run late in the period to seize control of the game. Blakes was the catalyst, scoring eight points during the pivotal stretch that erased Tennessee's lead and put the Commodores in front for good. Vanderbilt's offense, which shot 53% from the field and a blistering 50% from three-point range, found its rhythm and never looked back.
Star of the Game
Mikayla Blakes was the undeniable star, delivering a sensational performance for the Commodores. The guard finished with a game-high 34 points, consistently creating shots and pressuring the Tennessee defense. Her scoring outburst in the third quarter was the critical blow that decided the contest. Aubrey Galvan provided crucial support with 24 points, while forward Sacha Washington was a force in the paint, contributing 16 points and 8 rebounds. For the Lady Volunteers, Talaysia Cooper led the scoring with 23 points, and forward Janiah Barker posted a strong double-double with 17 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort.
What It Means
For the Vanderbilt Commodores, the victory is another significant milestone in a remarkable season. Securing the program's 13th SEC win is a new record, underscoring their status as a top-tier team heading into the postseason SEC and NCAA tournaments. Conversely, the loss extends a frustrating skid for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, marking their sixth straight defeat. Despite a competitive first half against a top-five opponent, the Lady Vols couldn't sustain their momentum and will look to regroup before the start of the SEC Tournament next week in Greenville, South Carolina.