Defense leads Rebels to 58-40 road victory over Little Rock
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss women’s basketball team notched its first road win of the season by defeating the Little Rock Trojans, 58-40, Sunday afternoon.
(Click here for box score.)
The Rebels used a great defensive effort, especially in the second and fourth quarters where they allowed only four and six points in those respective periods, to seal the victory.
Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin was pleased with her team’s defensive performance.
“Incredibly happy with our group,” McPhee-McCuin said postgame.
“On the road, you have to pack your defense in your suitcase, and I thought we defended at a high level and communicated at a high level.”
Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin
The squad held the Trojans to 38% (17-45) from the field for the game, including forcing 18 turnovers. The Rebels also out-rebounded the Trojans, 38-25, including 26 of those rebounds on the defensive end.
“I was really happy with our overall play for 40 minutes. Defensively, we have been looking for that type of intensity since we first started playing, and I was really happy. We just really locked in.”
Coach Yo on her team’s play
While the Rebel defense showed out in Little Rock, the offense scored its lowest point total of the season so far. Even though they connected on six three-pointers, the Rebels shot 25% overall from deep and just under 43% from the field.
However, Coach Yo was still impressed with the team’s offensive production, especially from senior Marquesha Davis, who led the Rebels with 13 points. As a transfer from Arkansas, her performance in Little Rock made the game that much sweeter.
“She is our most talented player on our team. There is a lot of things she is working through. I think her best basketball is ahead of her. When she plays with the energy and effort that she played with [today], there are truly no ceilings for her. I was really proud that she was able to do it in front of a hometown crowd.”
Coach Yo on Marquesha Davis
Junior forward Madison Scott scored 8 points in the victory, and Coach Yo explained just how important Scott’s presence was to the team on Sunday and for the team going forward.
“Madi is being incredibly aggressive,” McPhee-McCuin said.
“She understands that she needs to be an impact player for us from the jump. Madi understands that her energy and passion drive the team, and she has taken on that challenge.”
Coach Yo on Madison Scott
Next Up
Coach Yo’s Rebels return to Oxford this Wednesday for a showdown with in-state rival Southern Miss at the SJB Pavilion. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. on SEC Network+.
Trevor Terminie
Trevor is a senior at Ole Miss pursuing a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Sports Communication and Promotion. He has previous experience covering sports for another site, including a variety of Ole Miss sports. Growing up in New Orleans, La., he has the Pelicans and Saints running through his blood. He also grew up in an LSU family, but his love for Ole Miss continues to grow. Trevor hopes to cover sports back in his hometown after college. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
