Vanderbilt, Mikayla Blakes beat Tennessee in SEC Tournament, go 2-0 vs Lady Vols for first time

GREENVILLE, S.C. — No. 8 seed Vanderbilt women’s basketball pulled out a hard-fought 84-76 win over No. 9 seed Tennessee on Thursday in the second round of the 2025 SEC Tournament.

The win marked first time the Commodores (22-9) have beaten the Lady Vols (22-9) twice in one season. Vanderbilt beat Tennessee 71-70, in a matchup at Memorial Gymnasium in January, on a buzzer beater from Mikayla Blakes.

The Commodores led by six at halftime then proceeded to outscore the Lady Vols 24-15 in the third quarter. Tennessee was down 11 with less than two minutes to go in the fourth then cut the deficit to seven with 40 seconds left but it was too little too late.

Vanderbilt scored 21 second-chance points compared to Tennessee’s six.

Blakes had a team-high 24 points in the win. She and senior guard Iyana Moore, who finished with 23 points, each scored 11 of their total points in the third quarter. Moore went 4-for-4 from behind the arc. Khamil Pierre had a double double with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes led the Commodores to a historic victory over Tennessee in the SEC Tournament, as they defeated the Lady Vols for the second time this season, marking the first time in program history they have swept their rival in a season. The win not only secured their spot in the next round of the SEC Tournament but also further solidified their growing reputation as a competitive force in the league.

A Historic Win: 2-0 Against Tennessee

For Vanderbilt, this win over Tennessee was monumental. Not only was it a hard-fought, high-stakes victory in the SEC Tournament, but it also marked the first time in school history that the Commodores have defeated the Lady Vols twice in a single season. This achievement speaks to Vanderbilt’s growth and their ability to rise to the occasion when faced with formidable opponents like Tennessee.

The win was especially significant considering Tennessee’s rich history in women’s college basketball. The Lady Vols have long been one of the top programs in the country, known for their dominance and competitive spirit. For Vanderbilt to defeat them not once, but twice in the same season, is a major accomplishment and serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Commodores.

Mikayla Blakes Shines in the Spotlight

Vanderbilt’s victory was largely propelled by the standout performance of Mikayla Blakes. The junior guard was a force on both ends of the floor, leading the team with her scoring ability, defensive presence, and overall leadership. Blakes has been a key player for Vanderbilt all season, and her performance in this game was the perfect showcase of why she’s considered one of the top players in the SEC.

Blakes was a constant offensive threat, scoring efficiently and creating opportunities for her teammates. Her ability to score in transition, hit clutch shots, and make plays in critical moments kept Tennessee on their heels throughout the game. In addition to her scoring, Blakes was also instrumental in Vanderbilt’s defense, applying pressure and forcing turnovers that led to fast-break points.

Her leadership on the court was undeniable, and her composure in the high-pressure moments of the SEC Tournament demonstrated why she’s one of the most respected players in the conference. Whether it was making key baskets or facilitating plays for her teammates, Blakes proved to be the difference-maker in this historic win.

Vanderbilt’s Balanced Team Effort

While Blakes was the standout player, the victory was a team effort, with several key players stepping up in critical moments. Vanderbilt’s offense was well-balanced, with multiple players contributing to the scoring. The team’s ability to share the ball and work together was evident, as they didn’t rely solely on Blakes to carry the load. This balanced attack kept Tennessee’s defense guessing and prevented them from keying in on just one player.

In addition to their offensive execution, Vanderbilt’s defense was also key to the win. The Commodores played tough, aggressive defense that disrupted Tennessee’s offensive flow. They were able to get hands in passing lanes, block shots, and force the Lady Vols into tough, contested shots. This defensive pressure, combined with their ability to convert turnovers into fast-break points, allowed them to control the tempo and keep Tennessee at arm’s length.

Vanderbilt’s depth was also a factor in the game. The Commodores were able to rotate fresh players in and out, ensuring that their energy and intensity remained high throughout the contest. This depth allowed them to wear down Tennessee and maintain their level of play despite the high stakes and pressure of the SEC Tournament.

Tennessee’s Struggles

On the other side, Tennessee struggled to find their rhythm against Vanderbilt. The Lady Vols had difficulty executing their offense, as Vanderbilt’s defense stifled many of their plays. Tennessee’s shooting was inconsistent, and they were unable to get into a groove offensively. While they had some individual standout performances, particularly from their star players, it was clear that they were outmatched by Vanderbilt’s balanced team effort.

Tennessee also struggled to make adjustments defensively. Despite their reputation as one of the toughest defensive teams in the country, they were unable to slow down Blakes and the rest of the Vanderbilt offense. Their inability to keep up with the Commodores on both ends of the floor ultimately cost them the game.

Turning Points in the Game

Several key moments shaped the outcome of this game, with Vanderbilt’s ability to capitalize on Tennessee’s mistakes being a central theme. One of the most important turning points came in the second half, when Tennessee briefly mounted a rally to cut the deficit. However, Vanderbilt responded quickly, with Blakes hitting clutch shots and her teammates stepping up in key moments to keep the Lady Vols at bay.

Tennessee’s struggles to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in the final minutes of the game allowed Vanderbilt to extend their lead and close out the victory. Blakes’ composure during these tense moments was particularly impressive, as she was able to maintain control of the game and ensure that Vanderbilt would come out on top.

What This Win Means for Vanderbilt

This historic win over Tennessee not only advances Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament but also solidifies their status as a rising contender in women’s college basketball. For the Commodores, defeating a team of Tennessee’s caliber twice in one season is a major confidence boost, and it shows that they are capable of competing at the highest levels of the SEC.

The victory also enhances Vanderbilt’s NCAA Tournament prospects. Beating a top-tier team like Tennessee in the tournament will certainly help their case for a higher seed, and the momentum from this win could carry them far in the postseason. The Commodores will look to continue building on their success and carry the confidence they’ve gained into the next round of the SEC Tournament.

Tennessee’s Outlook

For Tennessee, this loss is a disappointing setback, particularly after their strong regular-season performance. While the Lady Vols have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, they struggled to put together a complete performance against Vanderbilt. The defeat will give them plenty to reflect on as they move forward in the tournament and work to regroup for the NCAA Tournament.

Despite the loss, Tennessee is still a formidable team with a lot of talent. They will need to address their offensive consistency and find ways to make adjustments defensively if they want to make a deep run in the postseason.

Looking Ahead

As the SEC Tournament continues, all eyes will be on Vanderbilt, who has now become a team to watch after their stunning victory over Tennessee. Mikayla Blakes and her teammates will look to continue their strong play and build momentum for what could be a deep run in both the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.

For Tennessee, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in the postseason. While they have the talent to compete with anyone, they will need to adjust and fine-tune their game if they want to make a serious push for a national championship.

Overall, Vanderbilt’s historic win over Tennessee is a defining moment for the program, and it sets the stage for what could be an exciting postseason run for the Commodores. With Blakes leading the way, they are a team that should not be overlooked in the coming weeks.