No.5 LSU Tigers faced a major upset against No.12 Vanderbilt Commodores after the latter defeated them 65-61 in SEC play. With this, the Tigers have now dropped to 0-2 in the SEC for the first time in Kim Mulkey’s era. While many LSU fans may have been shocked by this defeat, Heisman finalist David Pavia is up celebrating.
Pavia is one of the top quarterbacks in the country, playing for Vanderbilt and had come second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2025. In a two-word message celebrating Vanderbilt’s win over LSU, Pavia wrote on his Instagram story,
“Vandy SHIIIII 💯.”
LSU’s disappointing loss against Vanderbilt was primarily defined by a fourth-quarter collapse and inability to contain sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes. Although the Tigers held a 49-42 lead midway through the final frame following a strong defensive stretch, they allowed the Commodores to go on a massive 8-0 run. Blakes was the deciding factor, erupting for 15 of her 32 points in the fourth quarter alone. However, despite MiLaysia Fulwiley and Jada Richard leading the Tigers with 13 points each, LSU could not regain momentum.
The defeat was also fueled by self-inflicted errors, as LSU committed a season high 22 turnovers that neutralized their massive 48-28 rebounding advantage. These mistakes proved costly in the final minutes, preventing the offense from flowing freely when it was necessary. This loss marks a historic low for the program under Kim Mulkey as LSU head coach, with a 0-2 start to the SEC for the first time in her tenure. It also extends a troubling trend for the team, which has now dropped seven consecutive games against top-12 conference opponents.
Mikayla Blakes Turns Out To Be The X-Factor For Vanderbilt’s Win
Mikayla Blakes delivered a career-defining performance, leading the Commodores to a 65-61 upset over LSU. Blakes finished the game with 32 points, serving as the primary engine of the offense. She set the tone by scoring Vanderbilt’s first 11 points of the game and proved to be just as dominant in the closing moments. Blakes took over fourth quarter, scoring 15 points to spark a late comeback. She single-handedly helped erase an LSU lead and hand them their second straight loss.
Beyond her raw scoring, Blakes showed elite poise, assisting on the go-ahead three-pointer and sinking a critical late-game layup and free throw to seal the deal. Finishing with four assists and nine made free throws, she remained aggressive playing heavy minutes. Her performance was the primary catalyst for Vanderbilt’s first win over a top-five opponent since 2009, earning her praise even from Kim Mulkey.
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