Nashville, Tennessee, February 5, 2026
In a thrilling matchup in Nashville, Mikayla Blakes scored 30 points, leading the No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores to an 82-66 win against the Florida Gators. After a slow first half, the Commodores surged in the second half, showcasing a strong offensive performance and resilient defense. Iyana Moore also contributed significantly with 22 points, while Florida’s Ra Shaya Kyle led her team with 23 points. Vanderbilt improved its record to 21-2 and looks forward to their next game against No. 16 Kentucky.
Nashville, Tennessee – Mikayla Blakes Leads No. 5 Commodores to 82-66 Victory Over Florida
Nashville, Tennessee – Mikayla Blakes scored 30 points, leading the No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores to an 82-66 win over the Florida Gators on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This victory improved Vanderbilt’s record to 21-2, with a 7-2 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play.
Game Highlights
The Commodores overcame a sluggish start, trailing 35-25 at halftime after scoring just 10 points in the first quarter. Blakes, who had only six points by halftime, ignited the team’s offense in the second half, propelling them to a decisive 32-point third quarter. The Commodores’ defense also tightened, limiting Florida to 12 points in the third quarter and 20 in the fourth.
Team Performance
In addition to Blakes’ scoring, Iyana Moore contributed 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Khamil Pierre added three points and 11 rebounds, while Justine Pissott and Me’Arah O’Neal each hit key three-pointers in the second half to extend Vanderbilt’s lead. The Commodores’ balanced attack and defensive adjustments were crucial in securing the win.
Florida’s Efforts
Ra Shaya Kyle led the Gators with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Liv McGill added 20 points, and Laila Reynolds chipped in 10 points. Despite their efforts, Florida’s offense struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in the second half, as Vanderbilt’s defense intensified.
Looking Ahead
Vanderbilt is set to face No. 16 Kentucky on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington, Kentucky. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m. CT and will be streamed live on SEC Network+. The Commodores will look to build on their momentum from this victory as they continue their SEC campaign.
Background
Vanderbilt’s strong performance this season has been highlighted by standout freshman Mikayla Blakes, who has consistently led the team in scoring. The Commodores have demonstrated resilience, overcoming early deficits in recent games to secure victories. Their upcoming matchup against Kentucky is expected to be a competitive contest, as both teams are vying for top positions in the SEC standings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who led the Vanderbilt Commodores in scoring against Florida?
Mikayla Blakes led the Vanderbilt Commodores with 30 points in their 82-66 victory over Florida on February 1, 2026.
What was the final score of the Vanderbilt vs. Florida game?
The final score was Vanderbilt 82, Florida 66, with Vanderbilt securing the win on February 1, 2026.
When is Vanderbilt’s next game?
Vanderbilt is scheduled to play against No. 16 Kentucky on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington, Kentucky.
What is Vanderbilt’s current record?
Vanderbilt’s current record is 21-2, with a 7-2 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play.
Who led the Florida Gators in scoring against Vanderbilt?
Ra Shaya Kyle led the Florida Gators with 23 points and 12 rebounds in their game against Vanderbilt on February 1, 2026.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Vanderbilt 82, Florida 66 |
| Leading Scorer for Vanderbilt | Mikayla Blakes with 30 points |
| Leading Scorer for Florida | Ra Shaya Kyle with 23 points and 12 rebounds |
| Vanderbilt’s Record | 21-2 overall, 7-2 in SEC play |
| Next Game | February 5, 2026, against No. 16 Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky |
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