Major Upset in Alabama: Mikayla Blakes scores half her team's points as Crimson Tide loses to unranked Vanderbilt

The unranked Vanderbilt Commodores just nailed a major upset against the 19th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide on the road, largely due to freshman Mikayla Blakes. On Sunday, Vandy pulled off a 66-64 victory against their Southeastern Conference opponent in a nip-and-tuck affair.

Blakes finished with her second 30-point performance of the season with a game-high 33 points, five rebounds and three steals in 37 minutes. What makes her feat remarkable is the fact that the first-year sensation scored half of her team's 66-point total, with sophomore forward Khamil Pierre as her only teammate in double figures with 12.

Right from the tip, it was clear that Blakes wanted her team to keep their win streak alive and momentum going in the uber-competitive SEC with recent triumphs of a 101-60 blowout against the Arkansas Razorbacks and a 71-70 finish over the Tennessee Volunteers.

The 5-foot-8 guard scored 14 points and had her lone assist in the first half. As it's been on several occasions this season, Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph made it known that the game plan was going to revolve around Blakes as she has proven time and time again that she is a unique rookie.

The Somerset, New Jersey, native popped off for 19 points in the second half, constantly finding her spots to convert multiple baskets. This includes timely makes in the fourth quarter. But it was Blakes' free throws in the dying minutes that pushed the Commodores (17-4, 4-3 SEC) past the Crimson Tide (17-4, 4-3).

Mikayla Blakes becomes the only freshman this season with two 30-point games

In her outstanding performance against Alabama, Mikayla Blakes became the only freshman this season with two 30-point outings. This is impressive considering other freshman standouts such as the UConn Huskies' Sarah Strong and South Carolina Gamecocks wing Joyce Edwards are among the fray.

Blakes is averaging 20.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.4 steals as she is just right behind second-year swingman Khamil Pierre for Vanderbilt's highest scoring average.

She and the rest of Shea Ralph's squad will return to action on Thursday at the Florida Gators.