Mikayla Blakes has set records since she set foot on Vanderbilt’s campus. The women’s basketball star did it again Dec. 3 as she became the ninth player in NCAA history to reach 1,000 points in as few as 42 career games.
Blakes did it with a 28-point performance against Virginia (6-3) in the Commodores’ 81-68 win. Vanderbilt (9-0), ranked No. 14 in the coaches poll, has now defeated three Power Four opponents this season.
“It’s exciting, but I think there’s more to it,” Blakes said. ” . . . I will do anything I can for this team to win. So I’m happy I scored that, but we’re still in the season, so I want more wins as well.”
Though Blakes got off to a slow start and shot 7-for-17 from the field overall, she excelled at getting to the free-throw line, where she went 12-for-13. She also had seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals.
Blakes was named SEC Freshman of the Year in 2024-25 as well as a second-team All-American after putting up 23.3 points per game, including two 50-point games. This season, she’s averaging 25.4 points per game.
“When you have a player with that level of talent and skill that also has the heart and determination and drive and competitiveness and confidence,” coach Shea Ralph said. ” . . . But she’s the most humble human being, basketball player, young lady that I’ve come across in a long time. And so for me, it’s just a joy to have her on our team.”
As Blakes goes, the Commodores will go. Vanderbilt saw just five other players score against the Cavaliers, led by Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda (16 points) and Sacha Washington (13). The Commodores’ retooled roster, on which Blakes is the only one of last year’s top seven scorers returning, is playing a more difficult schedule this season and has defeated Virginia, Cal and BYU along with Oregon State. Blakes scored 27 against Cal and BYU.
But as much as Blakes is the centerpiece, Vanderbilt has more different contributors outside of scoring. Aubrey Galvan, the Commodores’ freshman point guard, put up seven points, eight assists and four rebounds. Mwenentanda and Washington had seven rebounds apiece.
If there’s one concern about Vanderbilt, it’s the fact that only one bench player — Aiyana Mitchell — scored against Virginia. Just three bench players played at all, and one of them, Aga Makurat, was in the game for one minute. Blakes played all 40 minutes, the third time she has done so this season.
As long as Blakes is on the floor, though, Vanderbilt will have a chance.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.
