Vanderbilt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (03/20/2026) — The Vanderbilt Commodores delivered an offensive masterclass on their home court Friday, securing a commanding 102-61 victory over the High Point Panthers at Memorial Gymnasium.
From the opening tip, Vanderbilt established a blistering pace it would never relinquish. Guard Mikayla Blakes ignited the offense just 10 seconds into the contest with a 27-foot three-pointer, and fellow guard Justine Pissott followed with another from 28 feet less than a minute later, setting an early 6-0 lead. The Commodores never looked back, leading wire-to-wire in a dominant performance in front of 5,527 fans.
How It Happened
Vanderbilt’s first-quarter surge proved decisive. An early 12-0 run put the High Point Panthers in a deep deficit they could not overcome. While High Point guard Macy Spencer single-handedly tried to keep her team in the game, hitting three long-range three-pointers in the first quarter alone, Vanderbilt's balanced attack was overwhelming. A late layup from forward Sacha Washington, assisted by Blakes, capped a 30-point opening frame and gave the Commodores a 30-13 advantage.
The offensive onslaught continued into the second quarter. Aga Makurat connected on a 26-foot jumper at the 8:13 mark to extend the lead to 36-15. Spencer continued her remarkable shooting display for the Panthers, draining three more deep three-pointers in the period. However, Vanderbilt answered every push, methodically building its lead. By halftime, the Commodores held a comfortable 54-32 lead, fueled by efficient shooting and relentless rebounding.
The second half saw Vanderbilt put the game completely out of reach. Blakes drained another three-pointer seven minutes into the third quarter to push the lead to 30. The Commodores outscored the Panthers 27-15 in the period, entering the final frame with an insurmountable 81-47 lead.
Even with the game well in hand, Vanderbilt’s offense did not slow down. Justine Pissott hit a 34-foot three-pointer with 8:14 remaining, and Ava Black added one of her own a few minutes later. A layup by Aga Makurat with just over a minute to play pushed Vanderbilt past the century mark, putting the final exclamation point on the 102-61 win.
Turning Point
The game was decided in the first two minutes. Vanderbilt's opening possession resulted in a deep three-pointer from Mikayla Blakes, and Justine Pissott hit another on the next possession. This immediate 6-0 lead in the opening 44 seconds set a tone of offensive aggression that High Point could never match. The Commodores never trailed and the score was never tied, as the initial burst established a rhythm and confidence that carried them through all four quarters.
Star of the Game
Guard Mikayla Blakes was the undisputed catalyst for the Vanderbilt offense. She finished with a game-high 30 points, shooting efficiently from all over the floor. Blakes was also a primary playmaker, dishing out 5 assists and consistently creating opportunities for her teammates. Her three-pointer to open the game set the tone for the entire contest.
An honorable mention goes to forward Sacha Washington, who was a force in the paint. She recorded a powerful double-double with 10 points and 17 rebounds. Her dominance on the glass was a key factor in Vanderbilt’s staggering 56-26 rebounding advantage.
What It Means
For the Vanderbilt Commodores, this was a statement victory showcasing their offensive depth and versatility. With four players scoring in double figures—including 17 points from Aubrey Galvan and 12 from Ava Black—they demonstrated an ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Their 49% field goal percentage and control of the boards underscore a complete team performance and provide significant momentum.
For the High Point Panthers, it was a tough outcome despite a heroic effort from Macy Spencer, who poured in 27 points. Her long-range shooting was spectacular, but it wasn't enough to counter Vanderbilt's size, speed, and balanced scoring attack. The Panthers were ultimately undone by the rebounding disparity and their inability to slow the Commodores' high-powered offense.