No.12 Vanderbilt shocks undefeated No. 5 LSU with close home win

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No.12 Vanderbilt shocks undefeated No. 5 LSU with close home win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 12th-ranked Vanderbilt women’s basketball team pulled off a statement win Sunday night, upsetting No. 5 LSU 65–61 inside a packed Memorial Gymnasium. The victory kept Vanderbilt unbeaten on the season at 15–0, while LSU fell to 14–2 after a hard-fought road loss.

The game did not start smoothly for either team, as both sides struggled to score early. Vanderbilt missed several open looks, and LSU failed to take full advantage. However, the Tigers began to find their rhythm defensively, forcing turnovers and controlling the glass. LSU closed the first half on a strong run to take a 28–22 lead into halftime. The Tigers shot 42.9 percent in the half and held Vanderbilt to just 25.9 percent shooting, while also winning the rebounding battle 24–12.

The second half told a different story.

Vanderbilt came out aggressive and confident, slowly chipping away at LSU’s lead. The Commodores leaned heavily on outside shooting, knocking down key three-pointers to stay within striking distance. As the game tightened, both teams traded baskets and leads in the final minutes, turning the matchup into a tense battle.

Vanderbilt took control late behind Mikayla Blakes, who delivered when it mattered most. Blakes scored back-to-back layups in crunch time and added a free throw to seal the win. Vanderbilt outscored LSU 43–33 in the second half and finished with eight three-pointers compared to LSU’s one after halftime.

Blakes led all scorers with 32 points, including 11 in the first quarter and 15 in the fourth. She shot 10-of-25 from the field, went 9-of-12 from the free-throw line, and knocked down three shots from beyond the arc. Her performance proved too much for the Tigers to overcome.

LSU was led by Jada Richard and MiLaysia Fulwiley, who each scored 13 points. Mikaylah Williams added 12 points, while ZaKiyah Johnson chipped in 10. Despite a strong defensive effort early, LSU struggled to keep up with Vanderbilt’s shooting late in the game.

The loss snaps LSU’s momentum, but the Tigers will look to bounce back Thursday when they face Georgia on the road. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt’s upset win sends a clear message that the Commodores are a serious contender this season.