Aggressive defense the focal point in Rebels’ 74-54 win over Jacksonville State
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss women’s basketball team bounced back from just its second loss of the season with an aggressive 74-54 victory over Jacksonville State Sunday afternoon at the SJB Pavilion.
Defense was the highlight for the Rebels in the win, and head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin reiterated postgame how important defense is to her team.
“I knew that we would have to come out, stick to our guns, and defend hard. When we can defend, we can rebound, we can run, and we share the ball.”
Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin
The Rebels held the Gamecocks to 31% shooting for the game, including 29% from three. This was opposed by 48% shooting and 46% from three by the Rebels.
Coach Yo’s squad also out-rebounded JSU, 51-32, including 39-20 on the defensive boards.
The rebounding effort included 19 total rebounds from guards Angel Baker (seven), Destiny Salary (seven), and Marquesha Davis (five). Coach Yo stressed the importance this kind of rebounding effort from her guards has on the offense.
“It is extremely important because Jacksonville State is quick to the ball,” McPhee-McCuin said. “Angel, anytime she has high activity level, she is crazy as far as going to get rebounds.”
Forwards Tyia Singleton and Madison Scott had 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively. This continued their great rebounding presence for the season.
“I was really pleased with both Tyia and Madi with double digit rebounds,” McPhee-McCuin said. “I wish Rita [Igbokwe] could’ve gotten it, but, at one point, they were all fighting for the rebounds. I was really proud that they were doing that.”
Coach Yo said earlier in the week that she would evaluate her team in the four games leading to SEC play based on toughness and togetherness. She said that her team passed the first test with flying colors.
“We were together celebrating each other. The communication on the bench was superb. I told my players ‘One down, three to go.’”
Coach Yo on her team’s toughness and togetherness
Offensively, three Rebels finished in double digits, including 17 points from Snudda Collins and 12 points from Marquesha Davis.
Don't Let @SnuddaC Get Hot 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3QrGrkUxpO
— Ole Miss Women's BB (@OleMissWBB) December 11, 2022
The third, leading-scorer Angel Baker, filled the stat sheet with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. She said that doing the little things besides scoring propels her game.
“Getting my teammates involved helps me go. [I am] just trying to stay active on the boards. Coach made a point that if we rebound, then we come out with a dub.”
Angel Baker
That's a dozen for @angthegoat15 👩🍳 pic.twitter.com/v4DFi8rVzy
— Ole Miss Women's BB (@OleMissWBB) December 11, 2022
The Rebels were without starting guard Myah Taylor, and Coach Yo was pleased with how the team played in her absence, especially with Marquesha Davis’ performance.
Davis was pleased with her own game, as she was in double figures for the first time in the last four games.
“Within the past three games, I haven’t been playing very good,” Davis said. “I came out today [with] a better focus going into the game, and I was able to [play better].”
Next Up:
The Rebels (8-2) will be back in action Wednesday at home against the Jacksonville Dolphins. Tipoff at the SJB Pavilion in Oxford is set for 11 a.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!
