Mikayla Blakes Sets SEC Freshman Scoring Record

News Summary

In a historic performance, Vanderbilt University freshman Mikayla Blakes scored 53 points against Florida, setting a new SEC single-game record for freshmen. The Commodores triumphed 99-86, marking Blakes as a standout player this season. With impressive contributions from her teammates, Vanderbilt secured their fourth consecutive SEC victory, solidifying their position in the league as they prepare for upcoming games.

Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes Shatters SEC Freshman Scoring Record with 53-Point Explosion!

In an exhilarating matchup held in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University watched their star freshman, Mikayla Blakes, light up the court like a seasoned pro. Not only did she steal the spotlight, but she also etched her name into the history books with an astonishing 53 points against the Florida Gators, solidifying her status as one to watch.

This unprecedented performance marks the highest single-game score by a true freshman in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), surpassing the previous record. Blakes’ relentless scoring barrage included an impressive 16 field goals and a flawless 16 free throws, leading the #23 ranked Commodores to a triumph over Florida with a final score of 99-86.

A Near Miss for the NCAA Record

54 points, held by the legendary Elena Delle Donne from Delaware. It’s a testament to her talent that she even came close, considering the fierce competition in collegiate basketball. Last season, the previous high for true freshmen belonged to USC’s JuJu Watkins, who scored 51 points. But this game? It was all about Blakes.

Leading the Charge

33 points in her prior game against then-No. 19 Alabama, showcasing her talent in leaps and bounds. Before the Florida game, her season high was a solid 36 points. Now, she’s the only player in all of Division I, men’s or women’s, to break the 50-point mark in a game this season. Iyana Moore delivered a commendable performance, chipping in 22 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and distributing six assists. Her pivotal role in the game couldn’t go unnoticed, especially during a critical 9-0 run that allowed the Commodores to take a commanding 19-14 lead early in the match.

Victory Was Ensure by Key Plays

18-10 split, which established a hefty 46-26 lead by halftime. Even as Florida made a push late in the game, narrowing their deficit to 82-74 with just over four minutes left, Blakes surged ahead, pouring in 14 points in the closing moments, ensuring Vanderbilt’s victory. Ra Shaya Kyle led their charge with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Other contributors from Florida included Liv McGill with 20 points, Jeriah Warren adding 13 points, and Laila Reynolds providing 10 points of her own. But it just wasn’t enough to topple the Commodores.

What’s Next for the Teams?

18-4 overall with a solid 5-3 in the SEC. This victory not only clinched their fourth consecutive SEC victory—marking their longest streak since 2014—but also has positioned Mikayla Blakes as a hot candidate for freshman of the year honors. Mississippi in their next game, where fans will be eager to see if Blakes can continue her scoring surge. Meanwhile, Florida will be setting their sights on a challenging matchup against Arkansas on the road. Keep your eyes peeled, folks, the action is just getting started!

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Additional Resources

• Stamford Advocate
• Wikipedia: Mikayla Blakes
• SEC Sports
• Google Search: Mikayla Blakes SEC record
• Baltimore Sun
• Google Scholar: Mikayla Blakes NCAA record
• New York Times
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mikayla Blakes
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