Coach Yo talks state of her program, play of guard Angel Baker after Rebels’ 61-50 win over MSU
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss women’s basketball’s historic 61-50 win over Mississippi State on Sunday was a defining moment in the growth of head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s basketball program.
The win was the program’s second win over the Bulldogs in just under a calendar year, and it marked the first victory in Starkville since 2007.
After the game, Coach Yo praised her team’s defensive effort.
“Holding a team like Mississippi State to six points in the fourth quarter is incredible. It just shows the character of our team. We really believe in the defensive end. We believe in it so much that it is the engine to our offense.”
Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin
In all 13 wins for the Rebels this season, the defense has held its opponent to 60 points or below. They currently possess the eighth-best scoring defense in the nation, allowing only 52.3 points per game.
“We feel like when we get stops, good things can happen,” McPhee-McCuin said. “I think our defense is strong because we are versatile. I was really proud of our group.”
Mississippi State has been a nationally-recognized program for years now with Final Four and runner-up finishes in both 2017 and 2018, followed by an Elite Eight appearance in 2019. Coach Yo stressed that the success of the Bulldogs is her plan for her own program in the future.
“We are working to build something like this,” McPhee-McCuin said. “Mississippi State has been to the Final Four, and we haven’t yet, but we would like to get there.”
Coach Yo has gone on the record in the past few weeks about fan attendance in Oxford, and she once again stressed this as an important factor in building a program like Mississippi State.
“I want to build a program like this,. “I admire the [MSU] fan support. They came out in droves. It was packed.”
Personally, Coach Yo described the win on Sunday as another step in the right direction for what she wants to build at Ole Miss.
“I don’t think my job is done here at Ole Miss until I’ve helped a team win a national championship. But I am only five years in. For me, this is a huge win in my book as we continue to grow.”
Coach Yo
Angel Baker
Coach Yo also had some high praises for guard Angel Baker, who was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points. Baker has been the consistent offensive presence for the Rebels this season.
“When she has the ball in her hands, she is a problem. She is a problem on the ball and off the ball, but she has grown to be a problem on the ball.”
Coach Yo on Angel Baker
20 & 10 rebounds! This young lady is special! https://t.co/lqMV5o5l3u
— Coach Yo (@YolettMcCuin) January 2, 2023
Coach Yo also had quite lofty comparisons for her senior star.
“Angel is a baller,” McPhee-McCuin said. “Angel is generational as is Steph Curry and Damian Lillard. [She is a] little guard that is explosive in playing in a big woman’s game.”
Up Next
Up next for Ole Miss, the Rebels will return home to host Vanderbilt on January 5th. The game is set for a 6 p.m. tip and broadcast 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!
