Blakes scores 38 points, No. 5 Vanderbilt beats Mississippi State for first 18-0 start

News > Sports News

Vanderbilt forward Sacha Washington (35) is fouled by Mississippi State forward Madison Francis (40) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Vanderbilt guard Justine Pissott (13) reaches for a loose basketball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) — Vanderbilt forward Sacha Washington (35) is fouled by Mississippi State forward Madison Francis (40) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Audio By Carbonatix

6:35 PM on Thursday, January 15

The Associated Press

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Mikayla Blakes scored a season-high 38 points and No. 5 Vanderbilt won its school-record 18th straight game to open the season, beating Mississippi State 89-84 on Thursday night.

The Commodores are 5-0 in Southeastern Conference play for the first time since 1992-93, the season they opened 17-0. The 18-game winning streak is the longest in school history at any point in a season.

Blakes hit five 3-pointers, made 11 free throws without a miss and had seven assists. Justine Pissott added 12 points, and Aiyana Mitchell had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Vanderbilt broke it open with 21-6 run in the third quarter.

Madison Francis led Mississippi State (14-5, 1-4) with 15 points.

Up next

Vanderbilt: Plays Michigan on Monday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey

Mississippi State: Hosts Kentucky on Synday.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball