Blakes Scores 27 as Top-10 Team Falls in Women’s College Hoops Return
The opening day of the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season featured an unexpected upset as the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils fell to the No. 16 Baylor Bears, 58-52. The game took place in the Oui-Play doubleheader in Paris, where Baylor showcased a strong performance, particularly in crunch time.
Mikayla Blakes Shines for Vanderbilt
Mikayla Blakes of the No. 19 Vanderbilt Commodores continued her impressive scoring streak, contributing 27 points in a 75-65 victory over the California Golden Bears. This marks her 11th career game with at least 25 points, including two performances over 50 points during the previous season.
Baylor Bears Show Promise
Baylor’s Taliah Scott had a remarkable debut for the Bears after transferring from Auburn. She led her team with 24 points, half scored in the decisive fourth quarter. Additionally, Scott’s clutch free throw shooting (8 of 10) helped secure the win against Duke.
Duke’s Scoring Struggles
Duke’s performance raised concerns about its offensive efficiency. The Blue Devils, who held opponents to an average of 56.5 points per game last season, struggled to score against Baylor, hitting only 29% of their shots. Sophomore Toby Fournier managed 16 points, but the team will need more consistency moving forward.
Upcoming Matches
The season continues with other significant matchups. Previous Final Four teams, including South Carolina, Texas, and UCLA, are set to begin their campaigns soon. Defending national champion UConn will start their season on Tuesday against Louisville, with coverage available on ESPN.
Key Players to Watch
- Baylor: Taliah Scott – Expected to be a top scorer in the Big 12
- Vanderbilt: Mikayla Blakes – Continuing her impressive scoring from last season
- UConn: Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd – Key players for the Huskies in their upcoming opener
As the season unfolds, teams will aim to address their weaknesses and build on the performances seen in their opening games.
