Full-Court Frenzy: Women's Basketball Highlight the Night!
- zyaoimediahi
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Middle Tennessee vs. Missouri State
In a closely contested game in Springfield, Middle Tennessee fell to Missouri State, 60–54. The match featured seven lead changes and three ties, underlining the competitiveness of the contest. The Blue Raiders opened with a 14–11 first-quarter lead, paced by senior Alayna Contreras, who finished with 21 points. Middle Tennessee briefly swung momentum with a 6–0 run in the second quarter, but Missouri State countered to take a 27–24 halftime lead. A late push by the Blue Raiders narrowed the gap, but Missouri State made 11 of 14 free throws down the stretch to secure the win. Coach comments pointed to the need for greater early-game urgency and improved shooting as Middle Tennessee readies for FIU next.
Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky
In a sensational SEC showdown, Vanderbilt rallied for an 84–83 come-from-behind win over No. 16 Kentucky. Trailing by nine in the second half, underclassmen Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan combined for 38 second-half points to fuel the comeback. Blakes poured in a game-high 37 points (26 in the second half), while Galvan calmly sank four clutch free throws late to preserve the victory. The win improved Vanderbilt to 22–2, matching the program’s best start since 1992–93. The Commodores now turn their attention to No. 11 Oklahoma.
In an interview, Blakes captured the team-first mentality fueling the comeback: “I’m just going to keep shooting — my teammates believe in me.” Her confidence and willingness to take big shots under pressure were pivotal, and her praise for teammate freshman Galvan’s late free throws underscored how trust and resilience powered the win.
Belmont vs. Drake
Belmont defeated Drake 67–52 in Des Moines behind a dominant second-half performance from junior guard Jailyn Banks, who scored a career-high 26 points (22 in the second half). Sophomore Quinn Eubank posted a solid double-double, and Belmont’s defense limited Drake to 34% shooting while forcing 19 turnovers. The Bruins closed the game strong, completing their first regular-season sweep of the Bulldogs and shifting focus to Northern Iowa.
Tennessee State vs. Eastern Illinois
Tennessee State fell 65–60 to Eastern Illinois at the Gentry Center Complex. The Lady Tigers struggled to find offensive rhythm in the first half but rallied late. Xai Whitfield led Tennessee State with 14 points, and Erin Martin grabbed 10 rebounds. Despite a late surge that made the finish competitive, Tennessee State couldn’t complete the comeback and will look to correct offensive issues in upcoming games.
Trevecca Nazarene vs. UWF
Trevecca Nazarene beat West Florida 76–62 in a key Gulf South Conference matchup. Jordan Gillies paced the Trojans with 22 points, while Tatum Shaw and Cheyenne Trotter added 17 and 11, respectively. Trevecca’s defense held UWF to 30% shooting, and the team avenged an earlier loss to the Argonauts. The win sets up two important road tests as Trevecca chases a top seed in the GSC tournament.
Cumberland vs. Bethel
Cumberland lost 58–43 at No. 3 Bethel. The Phoenix opened on a 6–0 run but cooled offensively, shooting just 28% for the game and 16.7% from three while committing 22 turnovers that led to 19 Bethel points. Ever Walker led Cumberland with nine points; Ty Buckley added eight points and eight rebounds. Bethel, led by Mikee Buchanan’s 14 points, outscored Cumberland 20–12 in the fourth to seal the win. Cumberland faces a tough test next against No. 4 Campbellsville.
Tennessee vs. Georgia
No. 19/17 Tennessee edged Georgia 82–77 in overtime in an intense SEC matchup. Zee Spearman scored 23 points and was especially clutch in overtime with eight points, while freshman Mia Pauldo added 21 and Talaysia Cooper contributed 16. Georgia’s Dani Carnegie sent the game to overtime with three late free throws in regulation, but Tennessee’s 10‑of‑12 free-throw shooting in OT made the difference. Tennessee improved to 15–5 overall and 7–1 in SEC play as they head into a matchup with No. 3 South Carolina.
Fisk vs. Dillard
Fisk dominated Dillard in a 98–70 victory, outscoring Dillard 68–34 in the paint and converting 53.2% of their field-goal attempts. The Phoenix forced turnovers that led to 32 points and played at a relentless offensive tempo. Kayla Lee led the balanced attack. Dillard struggled to match the intensity and shooting efficiency.
Tennessee Tech vs. Western Illinois
Western Illinois defeated Tennessee Tech 68–53 in Cookeville. Tennessee Tech suffered a disastrous second quarter (outscored 21–7) that ultimately decided the game despite a competitive second half. Chloe Larry led Tech with 17 points; LaReesha Cawthorn recorded a 15‑point, 14‑rebound double-double. Western Illinois’ Mia Nicastro finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, and the Leathernecks shot 52.7% while capitalizing on Tech’s 16 turnovers.
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