Blakes leads Vanderbilt to 1st Sweet 16 since 2009 with near triple-double in March Madness
By Teresa M. Walker
Published on March 24, 2026.
No. 2 seed Vanderbilt advanced to the Sweet 16 in the women's NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009 with a 75-57 victory over seventh-seeded Illinois. Mikayla Blakes scored 25 points, including 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Justine Pissott scored 18 points. The Commodores will face No. 6 seed Notre Dame in the Fort Worth 1 Region on Friday, marking their 15th regional semifinal all-time. This victory marks Vanderbilt's 29th win in their history. Despite a split with Illinois in the previous two games, this was the first between the two teams since November 1987.
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