by By Troy Littledeer
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — No. 12 Vanderbilt remained unbeaten and opened Southeastern Conference play with an 88-71 victory over Arkansas on Thursday at Bud Walton Arena.
Vanderbilt (14-0, 1-0 SEC) forced 22 turnovers and converted them into 32 points, creating a decisive edge in shot attempts despite similar shooting percentages. The Commodores attempted 20 more field goals than Arkansas and scored the most points the Razorbacks have allowed this season.
Mikayla Blakes led all scorers with 35 points for Vanderbilt, adding eight assists and four rebounds. She shot 13 of 26 from the field. Sacha Washington recorded a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.
Arkansas (11-5, 0-1 SEC) was led by Cherokee Nation citizen Taleyah Jones, who scored 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. It marked her fifth game this season with at least 20 points. Jenna Lawrence added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Wyvette Mayberry finished with eight points.
Arkansas shot 48 percent (25 of 52) from the field compared with Vanderbilt’s 45.8 percent (33 of 72), but turnovers limited the Razorbacks’ offensive opportunities. Vanderbilt committed 11 turnovers. The Razorbacks opened the game with an 11-5 lead following a 7-0 run capped by a layup from Maria Anais Rodriguez.
Vanderbilt responded with a 12-0 run to take a 17-11 lead, holding Arkansas scoreless for more than four minutes. Vanderbilt led 46-30 at halftime after Arkansas committed 13 turnovers in the first half. The Commodores were outscored 21-20 in the fourth quarter but maintained control throughout the second half.
Ashlynn Chlarson played limited minutes in the first half after picking up two fouls before the 7-minute mark of the first quarter. Danika Galea saw her first action since Nov. 20, logging five minutes.
Arkansas will travel to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Sunday, Jan. 4. Alabama enters the matchup at 15-1 and is coming off an 83-57 loss to No. 3 South Carolina.
(Editors note: Story submitted by Troy Littledeer for Kituwah Punk)
