NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Mikayla Blakes scored 20 points to lead five Vanderbilt players in double figures as the unbeaten Commodores routed Missouri 99-68 in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Memorial Gym. Vanderbilt improved to 16-0 overall by overwhelming the Tigers with 54 points in the paint and 37 points off 22 Missouri turnovers. The Commodores led 48-37 at halftime and pulled away with a 31-point fourth quarter. Aubrey Galvan added 19 points for Vanderbilt. Abbey Schreacke led Missouri with 19 points. The Tigers fell to 12-6. A crowd of 3,141 watched Vanderbilt maintain its perfect start, while Missouri lost its second straight conference game.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Vanderbilt Commodores showcased their undefeated credentials and overwhelming depth Thursday night, dismantling the Missouri Tigers 99-68 in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium. Vanderbilt, one of the nation’s last remaining unbeaten teams, improved to 16-0 overall and 2-0 in the SEC. Missouri fell to 12-6 and 0-2 in conference play. The game was effectively decided by a dominant first quarter and a relentless defensive effort that capitalized on Missouri’s mistakes. The Commodores raced out to a 27-23 lead after the opening period, a margin that belied their control of the game’s tempo and interior. Vanderbilt’s decisive run came in the second quarter, where they outscored Missouri 21-14 to take a 48-37 halftime lead. The Tigers never threatened in the second half as Vanderbilt’s offense continued to hum, pouring in 31 points in the final quarter. The most important part of the game was Vanderbilt’s ability to turn Missouri’s offensive inefficiency and turnovers into immediate, high-percentage scoring opportunities. The Commodores scored 37 points off 22 Missouri turnovers, consistently converting steals and defensive rebounds into transition baskets. This relentless pressure broke the game open in the second quarter and prevented any hope of a Missouri rally. Vanderbilt’s 54 points in the paint, nearly double Missouri’s 22, underscored their physical dominance and ability to attack the rim at will. Mikayla Blakes led all scorers with 20 points for Vanderbilt, adding six assists. Aubrey Galvan matched her backcourt partner with 19 points and four assists, while Sacha Washington controlled the interior with 15 points. Justine Pissott, Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, and Aiyana Mitchell also scored in double figures for the Commodores, highlighting their balanced offensive attack. Missouri was led by Abbey Schreacke’s 19 points and Grace Slaughter’s 12. The Tigers struggled to find consistent offense, shooting just 40.7% from the field and committing those 22 turnovers against Vanderbilt’s active defense. Vanderbilt’s offensive rating of 122.0 on 81 possessions starkly contrasted with Missouri’s 86.4 on 79 possessions, illustrating the chasm in efficiency between the two teams. The Commodores also dominated the glass, securing 17 offensive rebounds to Missouri’s eight, leading to 19 second-chance points. The announced attendance was 3,141. Vanderbilt next travels to face Texas A&M on Sunday. Missouri continues its road trip at Mississippi on Saturday. Game Notes: Vanderbilt entered the game as a heavy favorite, with statistical models giving them a 94.8% probability to win. The combined score of 167 points sailed over the pregame over/under line of 145.5. The Commodores have now won their first two SEC games by an average of 27.5 points. Missouri has lost three of its last four games after a strong start to the season.

Undefeated Vanderbilt Hosts Missouri in SEC Women’s Basketball Clash NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Vanderbilt Commodores, one of the nation’s last remaining unbeaten teams, will put their perfect record on the line Thursday when they host the Missouri Tigers in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball matchup at Memorial Gymnasium. Vanderbilt (15-0) enters the contest riding high after a 65-61 victory over then-LSU on Sunday, a statement win that solidified its status as a conference contender. The Commodores are powered by standout guard Mikayla Blakes, who is averaging 24.5 points per game. She scored 32 points in the win over LSU and had 35 points and eight assists in a victory at Arkansas on Jan. 1. Missouri (12-5) seeks to rebound from a 74-52 road loss at Kentucky last Sunday. The Tigers have dropped two of their last three games but are led by the consistent play of guard Grace Slaughter. She averages 17.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, coming off a 15-point, seven-rebound performance against the Wildcats. The game presents a stark contrast in momentum. Vanderbilt’s resume includes dominant non-conference wins over teams like Oregon State and BYU, alongside its SEC-opening victories. Missouri has shown resilience with several close wins, including an overtime triumph over Missouri-Kansas City on Dec. 28, but has struggled against top-tier competition, with losses to Texas, Illinois and Kentucky. Vanderbilt’s defense has been formidable, holding opponents to an average of 56.7 points per game. Missouri averages 71.2 points offensively but was held to a season-low 52 points by Kentucky. The Tigers will need a efficient scoring afternoon from Slaughter and support from posts like Chloe Sotell, who grabbed 12 rebounds against Kentucky, to challenge the Commodores’ stingy defense. This is the conference opener for both teams in the new year. Vanderbilt will look to protect its unblemished record in front of a home crowd, while Missouri aims to spring a major road upset and establish itself in the SEC standings. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CST Thursday at Memorial Gym.