Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Dominates Memphis in Exhibition Opener
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt Commodores, ranked 19th in the AP Poll and 21st in the Coaches Poll, showcased their offensive prowess with a commanding 104-68 victory over the Memphis Tigers at the 2025 Hoops for St. Jude® Tip Off Classic, presented by Bad Boy Mowers. The exhibition game took place at the FedExForum on Monday.
Mikayla Blakes Shines with 40-Point Performance
Sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes delivered an electrifying performance, scoring 40 points and shooting 60 percent from the field. This included an impressive 5-of-10 from three-point range. In addition to her scoring, Blakes contributed eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals, solidifying her status as a key player. Notably, her 40 points marked the highest individual score at the FedExForum since Steph Curry achieved 52 points on April 1, 2024.
Strong Start and Sustained Lead
Vanderbilt quickly established themselves on the court, launching into a significant 28-6 lead within the first quarter. Throughout the game, the Commodores maintained a double-digit lead, although Memphis attempted to rally back with a 16-4 run toward the end of the third quarter, narrowing the margin to just five points. However, Vanderbilt responded with tenacity, pushing their lead back into double figures and scoring a total of 42 points in the final quarter to secure a decisive 36-point win.
Support from Teammates
Blakes was not alone in her scoring efforts. Graduate player Sacha Washington made a notable return to the court, posting a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. This marked her first game since March 22, 2023, after sitting out the previous season due to a medical condition. Additionally, senior Justine Pissott contributed with 11 points, supporting her team’s offensive strategy with three successful three-point shots.
Defensive Dominance
The Commodores not only excelled offensively but also displayed remarkable defensive skills, holding the Tigers to a mere 38.6 percent shooting from the field. Memphis struggled from beyond the arc, ending the game 0-of-17 on three-point attempts.
Looking Ahead
With this exhibition triumph, the No. 19/21-ranked Commodores are set to kick off their 2025-26 regular season. Their first official match will be against California on November 3 in Paris, France, as part of the 2025 Oui-Play Paris event. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
For further updates and insights on the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team, follow them on social media at @VandyWBB on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X.
