Vanderbilt women’s basketball team secured their first SEC road win of the season with a 66-64 victory over No. 19 Alabama. This marked their first time defeating two ranked teams in the same season since 2015-16.
Mikayla Blakes shined with an impressive 33 points, while Khamil Pierre contributed a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
Despite struggling to contain Sarah Ashlee Barker in the first half and trailing by as much as nine points in the third quarter, Vanderbilt’s 10-0 run gave them the lead late in the third. In the fourth quarter, Alabama’s Zay Green was called for a travel and a technical foul, allowing Vanderbilt to extend their lead to five points. Barker then made a late three-pointer to cut the deficit to two, and Pierre fouled out soon after. Barker’s layup missed, and Blakes was sent to the free-throw line, where she made 1-of-2 shots.
With a three-point lead late in the game, Vanderbilt fouled Barker, sending her to the free-throw line. She made the first free throw but missed the second, and Alabama stepped out of bounds during the scramble for the rebound.
Barker finished the game with 36 points in her return from injury.
Despite shooting only 34% from the floor, the Commodores forced 23 turnovers and grabbed 20 offensive rebounds, showcasing their resilience and determination on the court.
