Vanderbilt Women's Basketball Hits 20-0 With Statement Win Over Auburn - Even on an “Off Night”
Twenty games. Twenty wins. And Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball team is making it look routine.
The Commodores stayed perfect on the season with a dominant 81-53 win over Auburn, and here’s the kicker - this wasn’t even their best night. Head coach Shea Ralph said it herself postgame: the team was a little off. But when a team can still win by nearly 30 while not firing on all cylinders, it says a lot about where they are - and where they’re headed.
A Tale of Two Halves
Vanderbilt didn’t exactly come out blazing. The offense sputtered early, managing just 33 points in the first half.
But whatever Ralph said in that locker room at halftime clearly worked. The Commodores exploded for 48 in the second half, turning a sluggish start into a blowout finish.
That second-half surge was a reminder of what makes this team dangerous: they can flip a switch. Whether it’s the press, the pace, or the sheer depth of talent, Vanderbilt doesn’t need to be perfect to be dominant.
Even When She's Off, Blakes Leads the Way
Mikayla Blakes didn’t have her sharpest game - and she’d probably be the first to say it. But you wouldn’t know it from the box score.
The sophomore still led the team with 20 points, adding five assists and four rebounds. On a night when others might have faded, Blakes found ways to impact the game.
That’s the kind of leadership that doesn’t always show up on highlight reels but makes a huge difference in January - and beyond.
20 Wins Before February - That’s No Small Thing
Reaching 20 wins is a benchmark most programs chase all season. Vanderbilt hit it before the calendar even flipped to February. That’s not just a stat - it’s a statement.
“It feels surreal,” Ralph said. “I know where we’re going. I have faith and belief in that vision, and I always have.”
What’s behind the Commodores’ meteoric rise? According to Ralph, it comes down to two pillars: continuity and conditioning.
“They really enjoy each other,” Ralph said. “They play with joy.
They have a great time. They remind me all the time to enjoy the journey.”
That chemistry has translated into a team that plays connected basketball - and plays hard. Vanderbilt’s conditioning has allowed them to press, push the pace, and wear down opponents.
That’s not something you fake in January. That’s built in the offseason and polished every day in practice.
“We’re in much better shape than we have been in the past at this point in the year,” Ralph added. “We take really good care of our bodies, and we’ve been pretty healthy.”
Sacha Washington: Quietly Dominant
While Blakes led the scoring, Sacha Washington might’ve been the most impactful player on the floor. The forward poured in 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds, putting together one of her most efficient performances of the season.
“I was just making sure I was in the mix at all times,” Washington said. “Getting my hand on one or grabbing it at any time I could.”
It’s the kind of performance that’ll need to carry over into Sunday, when Vanderbilt faces a frontcourt-heavy South Carolina team. Washington’s presence in the paint will be crucial in that matchup.
Eyes on South Carolina - A Heavyweight Test
Now comes the big one. Sunday’s showdown with South Carolina looms large - not just because of the opponent, but because of what it represents. The Gamecocks are coming off a tough overtime loss at Oklahoma, and you can bet Dawn Staley’s squad will be looking to bounce back with purpose.
But Ralph isn’t getting caught up in the hype.
“That happens in our league,” she said. “It just proves how tough our league is. Anyone can lose to anyone.”
The Commodores aren’t changing their approach. No panic.
No over-prep. Just more of what’s gotten them to 20-0.
“We’re just going to keep doing what we do,” Ralph said. “We’re going to keep our heads down and work and be ready to go when the ball gets tipped up on Sunday.”
The Bottom Line
Vanderbilt’s win over Auburn wasn’t flashy, but it was telling. This is a team that can win big even when things aren’t clicking. They’ve got depth, they’ve got chemistry, and they’ve got a coach who knows exactly where this train is headed.
Sunday’s matchup with South Carolina will be a measuring stick. But make no mistake - the Commodores have already made their mark.