Mikayla Blakes scored 28 points to power No. 15 Vanderbilt to an 81-68 victory over Virginia on Wednesday afternoon in Nashville, Tenn.

Virginia led by a point after the first quarter, but Vanderbilt outscored the visitors 45-22 over the next two frames to pull away. The Commodores went on to lead by as much as 28 points in the opening game of the annual ACC/SEC Challenge.

Blakes collected a good chunk of her scoring at the charity stripe – making 12-of-13 free throws – and also tallied seven rebounds and seven assists for the Commodores (9-0). Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda added 16 points and Sacha Washington chipped in 13 for Vandy.

Kymora Johnson steered the Cavaliers (6-3) with 22 points and seven assists. Paris Clark scored 12 points, and Adeang Ring had 10.

No. 17 Kentucky 64, Miami 48

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