Vanderbilt Athletics Achieves Milestone Victories Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Vanderbilt University achieved a historic weekend in athletics, showcasing remarkable performances across multiple sports during the Thanksgiving holiday. The Commodores made headlines in both men’s and women’s basketball, as well as football, solidifying their presence on the national stage.

Men’s Basketball Dominates in Bahamas

The Vanderbilt men’s basketball team began their action at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas. In their opening game on November 23, the Commodores secured a narrow 83-78 victory over Western Kentucky. Despite struggling to build an early lead, Vanderbilt’s ability to convert crucial free throws and a key defensive stop in the final minutes ensured their win. Duke Miles emerged as a standout player, scoring 28 points and completing all 12 free throws he attempted.

The following day, Vanderbilt faced VCU, where they fought back from a halftime challenge to win decisively, 89-74. After establishing a double-digit lead, the team pushed through a second-half surge, outpacing the Rams with a 50 percent shooting rate from three-point range. Miles once again shone, contributing another 20 points alongside two rebounds and three assists.

The championship match against Saint Mary’s was a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s NCAA Tournament Round of 64 clash. This time, Vanderbilt exacted revenge with a commanding 96-71 victory, led by Miles, who scored 25 points and set a tournament record with a total of 73 points across three games. The win marked Vanderbilt’s first 8-0 start since the 2007-2008 season, with Miles earning the title of tournament MVP.

Women’s Basketball Triumphs in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Simultaneously, the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team participated in the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where they achieved two impressive victories. On November 24, they defeated Oregon State 88-66, displaying control from the outset with a significant lead at the end of the first quarter. Sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes shone with a season-high 35 points, helping the team shoot 47 percent overall and make a season-best 12 three-pointers.

The Commodores then advanced to the championship game against BYU, where they staged a remarkable comeback to win 84-71. After trailing by 12 points at the end of the first quarter, Vanderbilt outscored BYU by 13 in the second quarter. Blakes continued her strong performance, adding 27 points and six assists, culminating in an undefeated November for the team.

Football Team Secures Historic Win

On the gridiron, Vanderbilt football also celebrated a significant achievement by defeating No. 19 Tennessee 45-24. The victory marked a historic milestone, as it was the Commodores’ first-ever 10-win season. Quarterback Diego Pavia led the charge with 268 passing yards and 165 rushing yards, demonstrating both versatility and skill. The team tied the game just before halftime and maintained momentum throughout the second half.

Despite the impressive win, Vanderbilt’s playoff hopes remain uncertain, as they will likely need further developments in the standings. The Commodores currently sit at 10-2, but their ranking at No. 14 may hinder their playoff aspirations unless there is considerable upheaval in the rankings.

As the weekend concluded, the Vanderbilt women’s soccer team faced disappointment in the NCAA Tournament Elite 8, losing 2-1 in overtime to TCU. Despite outshooting their opponents 31-8, including 10 shots on goal, the Commodores were unable to secure a victory, bringing an end to their historic season.

Vanderbilt’s athletic programs have solidified their reputation through these notable achievements over the holiday weekend, showcasing talent and determination across various sports. As the Commodores look ahead, they will host SMU in the ACC/SEC Challenge for men’s basketball and Virginia for women’s basketball, both crucial matchups that could further define their seasons.