Mikayla Blakes continues to prove why she is one of the most dominant freshmen in women’s college basketball. In a historic performance against Auburn, she shattered records and solidified her status as a rising star. With the SEC schedule nearing its most difficult stretch, the Vanderbilt Commodores are counting on her to maintain this level of play.
Mikayla Blakes’ Record-Breaking Performance
Blakes made NCAA history with a 55-point game against Auburn, setting the single-game scoring record for a freshman. Her performance marked the ninth-highest-scoring game in NCAA history and made her only the second player to score at least 53 points twice in the same season.
Blakes was nearly flawless from the free throw line, making 23 of 24 attempts while shooting 63.6% from the field.
The X page of I Talk Hoops highlighted her achievements, stating:
“The only player in women’s college basketball this season with multiple 50-point games. Leads all freshmen in scoring. Led her team to multiple-ranked wins for the first time since 2016. Helped her team earn a Top-25 ranking for the first time in 11 seasons.”
✨The only player in women’s college basketball this season with multiple 50-point games.
✨Leads all freshmen in scoring.
✨Led her team to multiple ranked wins for the first time since 2016.
✨Helped her team earn a Top-25 ranking for the first time in 11 seasons.
Her name… pic.twitter.com/j6MqSWoSCF
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) February 17, 2025
Blakes’ performance against Auburn included an SEC record 23 free throws, a key factor in Vanderbilt’s 98-88 overtime victory. She joined Hoskins as the only NCAA Division I women’s player to record multiple 53-point games in the same season. It is a feat that hasn’t been matched since 1988-89.
Earlier this season, Blakes scored 53 points against Florida on Jan. 30, setting an NCAA and SEC record for a true freshman. She became the first NCAA freshman and only the fourth Division I player since 1999-2000 to record multiple 50-point games in one season.
Vanderbilt Faces Tough SEC Schedule Ahead
Vanderbilt has shown significant improvement this season, currently holding a 19-7 overall record and a 6-6 mark in SEC play. Blakes’ contributions have been crucial in securing big wins and pushing the team toward national recognition.
However, the team is preparing for a challenging stretch to close out the season, including matchups against No. 16 Oklahoma and No. 6 South Carolina.
The team faced a setback earlier in the week with an 85-77 double-overtime loss to Mississippi State on Feb. 14. The game marked the first double-overtime contest at Memorial Gymnasium in over 35 years. Despite the loss, Blakes continued to perform, adding 13 points to her stat line.
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Over the two games against Mississippi State and Auburn, Blakes averaged 34.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 4.5 steals. Her all-around performance has been instrumental in keeping Vanderbilt competitive in the SEC.
Blakes’ ability to score at an elite level while maintaining efficiency has made her one of the most dangerous players in the conference. As the season nears its conclusion, Vanderbilt will rely on her leadership and scoring ability to push for a strong finish.
With Oklahoma and South Carolina on the horizon, the Commodores have a chance to prove themselves against top-tier competition. If Blakes continues her record-breaking performances, Vanderbilt could be a serious threat in the SEC tournament and beyond.
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