Mikayla Blakes Sets NCAA Freshman Scoring Record with 53 Points

In an electrifying performance, Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt University shattered the true freshman scoring record with a jaw-dropping 53 points. This monumental achievement came during Vanderbilt’s commanding 99-86 victory over Florida. Blakes is now the only player in Division I—men’s or women’s—to score at least 50 points in a game this season.

Her incredible feat not only surpassed the previous freshman high of 51 points set by Southern California’s JuJu Watkins last season, but also fell just one point shy of the NCAA Division I freshman record held by Delaware’s Elena Delle Donne.

The Historic Night for Mikayla Blakes

Blakes’ 53-point explosion was a masterclass in scoring efficiency and versatility. She made 16 field goals and 16 free throws, showcasing her ability to score from anywhere on the court. Her performance was instrumental in Vanderbilt’s victory, as she single-handedly outscored Florida 18-10 in the second quarter, propelling the Commodores to a 46-26 halftime lead.

Breaking Down the Record

The previous record for a true freshman was held by JuJu Watkins, who scored 51 points last season. Blakes’ 53-point game not only eclipsed this mark but also highlighted her consistency and scoring prowess. She had already scored 33 points in a win over then-No. 19 Alabama and had a previous season high of 36 points.

• 16 Field Goals: Demonstrating her shooting accuracy and ability to find the basket.
• 16 Free Throws: Showcasing her composure and skill from the free-throw line.

Team Contributions and Overall Impact

While Blakes was undoubtedly the star of the night, her teammates also made significant contributions. Iyana Moore added 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, providing crucial support. Khamil Pierre, despite struggling with her shooting, contributed 11 rebounds and three steals, highlighting the team’s defensive efforts.

Key Team Stats

Vanderbilt’s balanced attack and defensive resilience were pivotal in their victory. Here are some key stats:

• Iyana Moore: 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists.
• Khamil Pierre: 11 rebounds, three steals.
• Ra Shaya Kyle (Florida): 23 points, 12 rebounds.

Florida’s Efforts and Late Surge

Despite the loss, Florida put up a valiant effort, especially in the second half. Ra Shaya Kyle was a standout performer for the Gators, scoring 23 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Gators managed an 18-7 run late in the game to trim the deficit to 82-74 with 4:44 remaining, but Blakes’ 14 points in the closing minutes sealed the victory for Vanderbilt.

Florida’s Key Players

Several players stepped up for Florida, showcasing their skill and determination:

• Ra Shaya Kyle: 23 points, 12 rebounds.
• Liv McGill: 20 points.
• Jeriah Warren: 13 points.
• Laila Reynolds: 10 points.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Games

With this historic win, Vanderbilt improves to an 18-4 overall record and 5-3 in the SEC. They now look forward to hosting Mississippi on Sunday. Florida, on the other hand, will hit the road to face Arkansas on Monday, aiming to bounce back from this tough loss.

Vanderbilt’s Upcoming Game

Vanderbilt will be looking to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Mississippi. Key players like Blakes and Moore will be crucial in securing another victory.

Florida’s Road Ahead

Florida will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming game against Arkansas. Strong performances from players like Kyle and McGill will be essential for their success.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember

Mikayla Blakes’ record-breaking performance is a testament to her talent, determination, and hard work.

Her 53-point game will be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in NCAA history.

As Vanderbilt continues its season, Blakes and her teammates will undoubtedly aim to build on this success and strive for even greater achievements.

For more details on this historic game, visit the full article here.