The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team has reached a historic milestone by achieving an impressive 18-0 start to the 2025-26 season. The No. 5 ranked Commodores secured their latest victory with an 89-84 win against Mississippi State in Starkville, Mississippi. This win not only sets a new school record for the best start to a season but also marks the longest winning streak in the history of the program.
Historic Winning Streak
Vanderbilt’s current 18-game winning streak is the longest active streak in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and ranks as the third-longest in NCAA Division I. The Commodores are now 5-0 in SEC play, marking their best start in the conference since the 1992-93 season.
Key Players and Performances
Sophomore Mikayla Blakes played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring a season-high 38 points. Blakes shot 47.8% from the field, including five 3-pointers, and went a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. She also contributed seven assists, further extending her SEC-leading double-digit scoring streak to 37 games.
- Mikayla Blakes: 38 points, 11-of-11 free throws, 5 three-pointers
- Justine Pissott: 12 points, four 3-pointers, extended double-digit streak to three games
- Aiyana Mitchell: 10 points, 8 rebounds, personal best in SEC games
Game Highlights
The Commodores displayed a strong performance, particularly in the third quarter, where they executed a 21-6 run. This pivotal moment turned a four-point deficit into an eleven-point lead heading into the final quarter. Despite a late-game charge from Mississippi State, Vanderbilt maintained their advantage to secure the win.
Statistics Overview
| Statistic | Vanderbilt | Mississippi State |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals Made | 30 | N/A |
| Field Goal Percentage | 50% | N/A |
| Three-Pointers Made | 11 | N/A |
| Free Throws Made | 18 of 20 | N/A |
| Turnovers Forced | 12 | N/A |
| Points off Turnovers | 15 | N/A |
Looking Ahead
The Commodores will conclude their three-game road trip on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They will travel to Newark, New Jersey, to face Michigan in the 2026 Coretta Scott King Classic at the Prudential Center. The game is scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. CT tipoff and will be broadcast nationwide on FOX.
This season, Vanderbilt aims to build on their remarkable start and focus on their goal of winning championships. With the outstanding performances from players like Blakes and Pissott, the Commodores continue to demonstrate their potential in the SEC and beyond.
