ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands – In a standout performance, sophomore Mikayla Blakes scored a season-high 35 points, leading the No. 17-ranked Vanderbilt women’s basketball team to a decisive 88-66 victory over Oregon State during the opening round of the 2025 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam.
Game Highlights
Blakes demonstrated exceptional efficiency, shooting 54.5% from the field (12-of-22). This marked her second 30-point game of the current season and the seventh overall in her collegiate career. Notably, all her points were amassed in the first three quarters, allowing the Commodores to maintain a significant lead entering the final period.
Vanderbilt’s Early Dominance
The Commodores established control early, ending the first quarter ahead by 13 points with a score of 26-13. Although Oregon State managed to pull ahead briefly late in the second quarter, Vanderbilt closed the half strong, taking a 43-38 lead into the locker room. The third quarter shifted momentum decisively in the Commodores’ favor as they outscored the Beavers 30-9, resulting in a substantial 26-point lead at 73-47.
Key Performers
Alongside Blakes, senior Justine Pissott matched her career high with 17 points, including five three-pointers. Freshman Aubrey Galvan also contributed significantly, scoring 12 points and recording a game-high six steals, showcasing a strong defensive effort.
Statistical Breakdown
- Vanderbilt Shooting Stats: 47.1% from the field, tying a season-high with 12 three-pointers made.
- Turnovers Forced: The Commodores forced 21 turnovers from Oregon State, converting these into 27 points.
- Team Defense: Vanderbilt registered 12 steals, six of which were credited to Galvan.
Coach’s Insights
Head Coach Shea Ralph remarked on the team’s performance, stating, “We’re really continuing to come together. Our effort, especially in the third quarter, was exactly the team that I know we can be at this point in the season, which is really good. We have to clean up a few things. I thought our defense was subpar in the first half. We have to take better pride in our defense, and I thought we did that in the third quarter. Offensively, I’m really proud of our guards and how they played. I thought they did a great job at getting us into our offense and knocking down shots.”
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Vanderbilt advances to the championship game of the Island Division at the Paradise Jam, where they will face BYU. The showdown is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. CT, with coverage available on ESPN+.
Additional Notes
- Vanderbilt now holds a 4-0 all-time record against Oregon State.
- The Commodores improve to 7-0 on the season, marking a program first with seven consecutive wins to start the year.
- Mikayla Blakes has extended her streak of double-digit scoring games to 26.
- Justine Pissott scored double digits in back-to-back games for the second time in her career at Vanderbilt.
- Aubrey Galvan has also recorded 10 or more points in her last two games.
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