Baker, Scott lead Rebels to 21-point win over Vanderbilt
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss women’s basketball team extended its winning streak to seven games with a 74-53 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores Thursday night at the SJB Pavilion in Oxford.
(Click here for box score.)
The win marked the program’s first back-to-back victories over Vanderbilt since 1987. It also improved the squad’s SEC record to 3-0, the best start to conference play since the 2006-07 season.
Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin is still learning a lot about her team, but there is one consistency she said is apparent within the team.
“I learn something different about this team every day,” McPhee-McCuin said.
“But what I can tell you is consistent is that they want to win and they want to be successful for themselves, for the university, and number one for their teammates.”
Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin
That success continues to be apparent on the defensive end, as Coach Yo’s squad held the Commodores to 35% shooting for the game. The Rebels have yet to give up 70 points in a game all season. However, Coach Yo believes there will always be room for improvement.
“That is what is cool about our growth,” McPhee-McCuin said. “We are not there yet, and I don’t know if I want to be. We just want to figure out ways to win every game.”
Guard Angel Baker and forward Madison Scott have been vital for the team, and Thursday night was no different. Baker recorded 22 points (9-15 FGs), with 20 points coming in the first half alone. Scott finished one rebound away from another double-double with 17 points (8-11 FGs) and nine rebounds.
“I love the fact that Angel and Madi are stepping up and saying, ‘You can count on us every night.’ It is pretty cool watching them grow into who they are going to be in their roles.”
Coach Yo on Angel Baker and Madison Scott
Coach Yo gave high praise for the development of Scott since her freshman year at Ole Miss.
“She has made the decision that she wanted to be an impactful player for this team,” McPhee-McCuin said. “That is what you are seeing: a maturation.”
Scott attributed her performance Thursday night to her usual aggressive nature.
“I am just trying to be intentional and aggressive. I just want to help my team out in any way.”
Ole Miss forward Madison Scott
Baker, meanwhile, eclipsed her per-game scoring average for the season so far–in the first half. Coach Yo mentioned how flow of the game becomes much easier when Baker is hot.
“Angel is here to get buckets,” McPhee-McCuin said. “That is what Angel is here to do.”
The Rebels shot 8-16 (50%) from three-point range and 47% for the game. They also outscored Vanderbilt 34-24 in the paint.
Up Next
Ole Miss (14-2, 3-0 SEC) will once again hit the road for a matchup against Texas A&M Sunday. Tipoff from College Station is set for 2 p.m. on SEC Network.
(Feature image credit: Ole Miss Women’s Basketball)
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!
