Vanderbilt Women Dominate Texas Southern in Nonconference Finale

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance from start to finish, overwhelming Texas Southern 96-46 in a nonconference game Saturday at Memorial Gymnasium.

The Commodores, one of 11 remaining undefeated teams in NCAA Division I, improved to 12-0. The Lady Tigers fell to 3-8.

Vanderbilt’s offense operated with ruthless efficiency, building a 46-9 lead by halftime and never relenting. The Commodores shot 47.8% from the field and connected on 18 of 41 three-point attempts, a 43.9% clip. Their defense was equally stifling, forcing 21 Texas Southern turnovers and converting them into 28 points.

Justine Pissott led all scorers with 25 points, hitting 7 of 13 from beyond the arc. Mikayla Blakes added 23 points, and Aga Makurat contributed 13 points. Aubrey Galvan orchestrated the offense with 11 assists. For Texas Southern, Jordyn Marshall scored 10 points and Taliyah Logwood added 11.

The game’s decisive stretch came immediately after the opening tip. Vanderbilt established total control in the first quarter, outscoring Texas Southern 24-5. The Commodores opened the game on a 14-0 run, fueled by defensive pressure and hot three-point shooting. Pissott and Blakes combined for five three-pointers in the quarter alone, while the Lady Tigers managed just two field goals and committed seven turnovers in the period. This explosive start rendered the remainder of the game a formality, as Vanderbilt’s lead never dipped below 19 points and ballooned to as many as 52.

Texas Southern showed a brief spark after halftime, scoring 23 points in the third quarter, but could not put a meaningful dent in the massive deficit. The Lady Tigers struggled mightily with Vanderbilt’s length and athleticism, shooting just 26.3% from the field for the game.

Vanderbilt’s dominance was reflected in the advanced metrics, posting an offensive rating of 123.0 points per 100 possessions, while holding Texas Southern to a rating of just 59.6. The Commodores also won the battle on the glass, securing 14 offensive rebounds to Texas Southern’s seven.

The victory extends Vanderbilt’s best start to a season in over two decades as it prepares to enter Southeastern Conference play. Texas Southern continues a challenging nonconference slate before beginning Southwestern Athletic Conference competition.

An announced crowd of 2,511 watched the game.

Vanderbilt is scheduled to host Stonehill on Sunday, Dec. 28. Texas Southern’s next game is at home against Biblical Studies on Monday, Dec. 29.