Vanderbilt Commodores Continue Historic Win Streak with Victory Over Michigan

The Vanderbilt Commodores secured their 19th consecutive victory on Monday, overcoming a determined Michigan Wolverines team to win 72-69 at the Prudential Center during the Coretta Scott King Classic. Coach Shea Ralph expressed pride in her team’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to win even when they haven’t reached their peak performance.

A Historic Win Streak

• Vanderbilt’s impressive win streak sets a new program record, placing them among just two remaining undefeated teams in Division I women’s basketball, alongside the defending champions, UConn.
• This success is a significant achievement, considering the Commodores have not advanced past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 2009.

Key Moments in the Game

Vanderbilt faced its toughest test of the season against Michigan. The game featured a dramatic turn in the second half, where the Wolverines managed to cut a 19-point deficit down to just two points three times in the fourth quarter. However, the Commodores remained composed, showcasing their teamwork and determination in high-pressure situations.

Quote from Sophomore Mikayla Blakes:

“We just preached as a team to stay levelheaded — not to get too high, not to get too low. We fed off each other and gave each other energy.”

Standout Performers

Despite a tough outing from Blakes, other players stepped up to fill the gap:

• Aubrey Galvan led all scorers with 20 points.
• Justine Pissott, a senior from Toms River, NJ, contributed 14 points, along with team-highs in rebounds (8) and assists (5).

Looking to the Future

Vanderbilt aims to build on this momentum as the season progresses. The team has set its sights high, understanding the importance of their upcoming schedule, which features eight ranked opponents in the final ten games.

Quote from Justine Pissott:

“We’re building something really special here. I would like to come back to Vanderbilt in 10 years and say, ‘I helped build this program.’”

Upcoming Challenges

As Vanderbilt navigates the remainder of the SEC schedule, they will continue to focus on improving and preparing for the tournament. They currently boast a 6-0 record within the conference and have already defeated two ranked opponents.

The Path Ahead

While the Commodores take pride in their 19-game win streak, they remain focused on their ultimate goal — making a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. Sophomore Mikayla Blakes summarized the team’s mindset perfectly:

“We’re going to get excited after every single win. But we just remind ourselves, ‘This isn’t it for us.’”

Conclusion

With a blend of talent, determination, and a strong coaching staff, the Vanderbilt Commodores have positioned themselves as competitors to watch in the upcoming months. As they seek to extend their historic win streak and aim for tournament success, the team’s journey is just beginning.

For more information on the Vanderbilt Commodores and their latest updates, visit Vanderbilt Athletics.