Alabama State Basketball Faces Tough Challenge: Vanderbilt Dominates in Commanding Victory

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a compelling display of skill and strategy, the No. 17 Vanderbilt Commodores women’s basketball team secured a decisive 92-38 victory over the Alabama State Lady Hornets on Friday night. The game, held in Nashville, showcased Vanderbilt’s formidable lineup and sharp shooting, leaving the Alabama State basketball program with valuable lessons to learn and a challenging road ahead.

Game Highlights: Vanderbilt’s Unyielding Dominance

From the moment the tip-off commenced, Vanderbilt asserted its control, never once trailing throughout the contest. The Commodores’ relentless offense and suffocating defense set the tone early, quickly establishing a lead that would only grow wider as the game progressed.

Star Performances Pave the Way

• Aga Makurat’s Three-Point Clinic: Senior guard Aga Makurat was the undisputed star of the night, sinking an impressive five 3-pointers and leading all scorers with 21 points. Her hot hand was particularly evident in the first quarter, where two quick triples just 36 seconds apart propelled Vanderbilt to an early 17-4 advantage.
• Mikayla Blakes’ Crucial Contributions: Mikayla Blakes delivered a strong performance, adding 19 points to Vanderbilt’s formidable tally, demonstrating the team’s depth in offensive firepower.
• Balanced Scoring: The Commodores showcased a truly balanced attack, with Sacha Washington and Ava Black each contributing 11 points, and Aiyana Mitchell adding 10. This widespread scoring threat proved too much for Alabama State to handle.

Key Statistics: A Tale of Two Teams

The stat sheet painted a clear picture of Vanderbilt’s superiority. The Commodores efficiently capitalized on Alabama State’s struggles, demonstrating why they are a nationally ranked team.

• Turnover Troubles: Vanderbilt scored a staggering 34 points off 26 Alabama State turnovers, highlighting their aggressive defense and ability to convert mistakes into points.
• Second-Chance Opportunities: The Commodores dominated the boards, turning 18 offensive rebounds into 17 crucial second-chance points, reflecting their hustle and determination.
• Free-Throw Advantage: Vanderbilt outscored the Lady Hornets 19-7 from the free-throw line, showcasing their discipline and composure under pressure.
• Shooting Woes for Alabama State: The Lady Hornets struggled significantly from the field, shooting just 27% (13 of 48) overall and a mere 28% from beyond the arc (5 of 18). A challenging stretch saw them go nearly 10 minutes without a field goal between the first and third quarters.

Despite the tough outing, Kaitlyn Bryant, Amari Franklin, and Taylor Smith each managed to score nine points for Alabama State, showcasing individual resilience.

What’s Next for Vanderbilt and Alabama State Basketball

The No. 17 Commodores, now boasting a perfect 4-0 record, will aim to continue their impressive start as they host Tennessee State on Sunday. For the Alabama State Lady Hornets (1-4), this demanding road game against a ranked opponent provides valuable experience. They will return home to face Division-II Auburn-Montgomery on December 1st, eager to regroup and find their rhythm.

This matchup served as a clear indicator of Vanderbilt’s potential in the NCAA women’s college basketball season, while offering Alabama State basketball program insights into areas for improvement. Fans eager to follow the trajectory of these teams can expect more exciting action as the season progresses.