The Vanderbilt Commodores and Louisiana State University Tigers won championships in contrasting ways on the final day of the 2025 Paradise Jam Women’s Tournament at the University of the Virgin Islands Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center.
Island Division Tournament
Championship Game – Vanderbilt 84 – BYU 71
Brigham Young University Cougars came out on fire, making eight three-point shots in the opening frame, giving them a deceptive 28-16 advantage. The Commodores of Vanderbilt came back by tightening the reins on defense, forcing eight turnovers and allowing only 11 points. Vanderbilt held a slim one-point lead at halftime. The Cougars only made three shots from behind the arc the entire second half. The Commodores coasted to an 84-71 victory to win the Island Division Tournament Championship.
Third Place Game – Virginia Tech 78 – Oregon State 67
Virginia Tech University scored the first basket of the game. It never relinquished the lead as the Hokies defeated the Oregon State Beavers 78-67 in the third-place game of the Island Division. Mel Daley’s 24 points led Virginia Tech. Carys Baker added 20 points and seven rebounds for the Hokies. Jenna Villa and Kennedie Shuler scored 19 and 15 points for the Beavers, respectively.
Individual Awards for Island Division
Mikayla Blakes – Vanderbilt University – Tournament MVP
Justine Pissott – Vanderbilt University
Sydney Benally – Brigham Young University
Mel Daley – Virginia Tech University
Ally Schimel – Oregon State University
Reef Division Tournament
Championship Game – LSU 112 – Washington State 35
The final game of the 2025 Paradise Jam was very competitive as the Tigers of Louisiana State University had their way against the Cougars of Washington State University. The Cougars had a tough time scoring against LSU’s full-court pressure, which created 31 turnovers. Charlotte Abraham was the only Cougar who scored double-digits, with 10 points. Everyone on the Tigers’ roster made at least one basket, with seven making it to double-digits. The Tigers have scored more than 100 points in all eight of their victories this year.
Third Place Game – Miami (OH) 63 – Marist 37
It was not a good day at the office for the Red Foxes of Marist University on the final day of the 2025 Paradise Jam. The Red Foxes made ten field goals the entire game, shooting 21% from the field. Miami of Ohio Red Hawks made 41% of their baskets in their 63 – 37 victory. The Red Hawks’ Amber Scalia was the game’s top scorer with 13 points. Amber Tretter contributed 10 points and collected 13 rebounds for Miami. No Red Fox scored in the double digits. They were led by Jackie Piddock and Lexie Tanul, who tallied nine points each.
Individual Awards for Reef Division
Amiya Johnson – Louisiana State University – Tournament MVP
Flau’Jae Johnson – Louisiana State University
Zakiyah Johnson – Louisiana State University
Eleonora Villa – Washington State University
Ilse de Vries – Miami of Ohio University
Justine Henry – Marist University
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