Mikayla Blakes scored 25 points as No. 2 seed Vanderbilt beat seventh-seeded Illinois 75-57 to advance to the Sweet 16 in the women’s NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009. Vanderbilt now is one off matching the 30-win seasons of the 1993 Final Four squad and the 2001-02 Commodores for most wins in program history. The Commodores will play No. 6 seed Notre Dame in the Fort Worth 1 Region on Friday in their 15th regional semifinal all-time. Blakes just missed the first triple-double of her career with 10 rebounds and nine assists. Illinois's Sweet 16 drought continues with its last berth in 1998.

Illinois coach Shauna Green dropped a name during film study to help her Fighting Illini better prepare for their second-round NCAA Tournament game against the nation’s leading scorer All-American Mikayla Blakes. Caitlin Clark. Green said she referenced Clark in film Sunday morning because of how many shots they put up and how Blakes will pull up deep in transition. Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph said Clark is one of the best ever in women’s basketball but Blakes has her own style. The Commodores are used to Blakes topping opponent’s scouting reports. Nothing changes Monday night with a Sweet 16 berth in Fort Worth  1 Region on the line against Illinois.

Cearah Parchment scored 21 points as seventh-seeded Illinois beat No. 10 seed Colorado 66-57 on Saturday night in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Illini are the youngest team in this tournament after replacing four starters. They now have won a first-round game for a second straight season. Illinois will play Vanderbilt, a winner over No. 15 seed High Point, on Monday night for a berth in the Sweet 16 of the Fort Worth 1 Region. Destiny Jackson had 11 rebounds and scored 11 of her 16 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the win. Colorado missed its final five shots.