Vanderbilt struggles against Kentucky in a hard-fought SEC battle.
In a thrilling SEC home opener, the Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball team faced off against the No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats, suffering a setback with a 96-78 defeat. Despite a strong performance from freshman Mikayla Blakes, who scored 24 points, Kentucky’s dominance was evident as they took an early lead and maintained control throughout the game. With this loss, Vanderbilt’s record falls to 14-2, while Kentucky improves to 13-1. Fans are hopeful for a rebound in upcoming matches as the Commodores navigate challenges this season.
Nashville, TN – The excitement in Memorial Gymnasium filled the air as the Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball team faced off against the No. 16 University of Kentucky on January 5, 2025. This match marked the SEC home opener for the Commodores, and fans were ready to cheer them on. Unfortunately, the outcome wasn’t what they had hoped for, as Vanderbilt fell to Kentucky with a score of 96-78. This defeat ended a seven-game winning streak for the team and left the fans longing for a comeback.
The Kentucky Wildcats came to play, and they certainly did not disappoint. Right from the start, they showed their prowess, scoring a whopping 31 points in the first quarter. By the end of that opening period, they had already established a solid lead at 31-17. Their shooting was on fire, with a remarkable 54.1% from the field and an impressive 48.4% from beyond the arc. This aggressive start set the tone for the game and left Vanderbilt scrambling to find their footing.
All five of Kentucky’s starters made significant contributions, each scoring in double digits. Leading the charge was Georgia Amoore, who not only put up 24 points but also dished out nine assists. The team effort was evident, with Amelia Hassett adding 20 points and nine rebounds, while Clara Strack achieved a double-double with 17 points and an impressive 15 rebounds—showcasing just how dominant they were during the match.
As the game progressed, Kentucky’s lead expanded to a staggering 20 points during the first half, which kept them in control despite adjustments made by the Commodores. Although Vanderbilt managed to rally a few times, they just couldn’t match Kentucky’s tenacity and shooting efficiency. Ultimately, Vanderbilt shot only 36.5% from the field and 30% from three-point territory, numbers that didn’t help them in their quest for victory.
This game marks a tough moment for the Commodores, not just in terms of the score but also due to ongoing team struggles. Sacha Washington remains out for the season because of a blood clot, taking away a critical player from their rotation. Across the court, Kentucky also faced challenges with Jordan Obi out for the season due to a lower leg injury. Both teams were fighting for a spot in the SEC, making this match even more vital.
With this loss, Vanderbilt’s record now stands at 14-2 overall and 1-1 in the SEC, while Kentucky improved their record to 13-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. The Wildcats ended a two-game losing streak against the Commodores, marking their first victory in Nashville since February 14, 2016. As Vanderbilt looks to bounce back from this disappointing game, fans are hopeful that adjustments will be made to secure a strong future in the season.
The basketball journey continues, and the Commodores have plenty of games left to show just what they’re capable of. Here’s to a rebound soon!
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