Scoring records in basketball are not easily broken, and game pacing can make monumental scoring nights rare. Yet Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes delivered a performance for the ages. She etched her name in history with an electrifying 55-point showcase.
Mikayla Blakes Joins LeBron James’ Elite 55-Point Company
Blakes’ incredible feat in a 98-88 overtime victory against Auburn cemented her status as one of the most dominant freshmen in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history. With this achievement, Blakes joined an elite list of players, drawing comparisons to NBA legends and collegiate greats.
One such star? Future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James was the last NBA, WNBA, or Division I men’s or women’s basketball player to score 55+ points while playing every second of the game. He accomplished that feat on March 20, 2005, where he scored 56 points.
Blakes, a 5’8″ guard, has been a standout for Vanderbilt all season, averaging an impressive 21.8 points per game. However, her performance against Auburn was on another level. She went 15-for-28 from the field, knocked down two three-pointers, and showcased exceptional composure at the free throw line, sinking 23 of 24 attempts.
This incredible efficiency propelled her past the previous freshman scoring record set by Elena Delle Donne. She scored 54 points as a redshirt freshman for Delaware in a 2010 loss to James Madison.
Blakes’ clutch mentality was on full display as she delivered in the most crucial moments. With just 17 seconds remaining in overtime, she stepped to the free-throw line and calmly sank her 55th point, sealing her place in history.
Mikayla Blakes scored 55 points for @VandyWBB today. She also played the entire game.
The last NBA, WNBA or Division I men’s or women’s player to score 55+ points while playing every second of the game was LeBron James at Toronto on March 20, 2005 (56 points). pic.twitter.com/tnnbMDwwps
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) February 17, 2025
Reflecting on her historic night, Blakes expressed her determination and drive to step up when her team needed her the most.
“I’m just excited. I had to prove myself and just do whatever needed to be done for us to win today,” Blakes said. “So, I just wanted to really dig deep and just show my effort and energy.”
The NCAA Division I record for most points in a single game remains 61, a mark set by Kansas State’s Ayoka Lee in 2022. However, Blakes’ 55-point eruption as a freshman puts her in rare company, highlighting her potential to become one of the game’s most prolific scorers in the coming years.
Blakes’ ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was evident throughout the game. She scored 16 points in the first half before shifting into another gear, dropping 28 points in the second half. Her relentless attack continued into overtime, where she added 11 more points to help secure Vanderbilt’s victory.
Her game-tying free throws in regulation were arguably as impressive as her final stat line. She was fouled with less than a second remaining while attempting a three-pointer. Unfazed by the pressure, she calmly converted all three free throws, sending the game into overtime.
After the game, Blakes spoke about how she has evolved mentally to handle adversity on the court.
“I had a mindset change to be more confident in myself,” Blakes said. “When things are being denied for me, and I’m being pressured, just to be able to handle that better and be more mature. So, I think I tried to do that today.”
Blakes’ heroics did not surprise her head coach, Shea Ralph.
“I knew coming in here today that we were going to win today. We had to,” Ralph said. “And that was the mindset that my team showed up with, and Mikayla showed up.”
Building a Legacy at Vanderbilt
This wasn’t the first time Blakes had showcased her scoring prowess. Just weeks earlier, on January 30, she dropped 53 points in a win over Florida, proving that her ability to take over games wasn’t a fluke. As a freshman, she has already placed herself among the elite scorers in college basketball, making her a focal point for opposing defenses.
Despite the individual accolades, Blakes remains humble, acknowledging her teammates’ contributions.
“I do want to say, while it was another amazing game by her, that she wouldn’t have been able to do it without a lot of kids stepping up,” Ralph said, emphasizing that Vanderbilt’s success is built on a collective effort.
Blakes’ ability to rise to the occasion was evident again when Vanderbilt faced a 15-point deficit with under seven minutes remaining against Auburn. Even her brother Jaylen, who was watching from home, assumed the game was over.
KEEP READING: ‘She’s Special’ — Dawn Staley Gives Mikayla Blakes Her Flowers After Victory Over Vanderbilt
However, Blakes had other plans. She single-handedly fueled Vanderbilt’s comeback, scoring 30 of her 55 points in the final 10 minutes and 25 seconds of regulation and overtime. Her relentless determination and unwavering confidence allowed the Commodores to pull off a remarkable win.
Blakes’ record-breaking performance couldn’t have come at a better time for Vanderbilt. The Commodores carried that momentum into their next game, delivering a dominant 100-59 victory over Missouri. The win secured them a bye in the upcoming SEC Tournament, positioning them as the No. 8 seed.
In the game against Missouri, Blakes continued to shine, scoring 29 points. She received strong support from Khamil Pierre, who contributed 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Iyana Moore added 18 points, seven assists, and four steals.
Vanderbilt’s balanced attack and defensive intensity allowed them to cruise to victory, setting the stage for a competitive tournament run.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
