Ole Miss notches electric 78-63 win over MSU for first season sweep of Bulldogs since 2004
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss women’s basketball team notched an emphatic 78-63 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs Thursday night at the SJB Pavilion in Oxford.
(Click here for box score.)
The win was monumental in the progression of head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s program. The victory marked the first time since the 2003-04 season that the Rebels have completed a season sweep of their in-state rival.
Nothing like a home court advantage. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/myDfXUY03w
— Ole Miss Women's BB (@OleMissWBB) January 27, 2023
Coach Yo emphasized the importance of the win in her fifth year at the helm in Oxford.
“Some of my players weren’t even born. Anytime you take over a program that you have to start from scratch, it takes a lot of work, a lot of sweat, a lot of tears, a lot of pick-me-ups, a lot of tough skin. This is rewarding for all of those things because I experienced all of them building this program.”
Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin
While Coach Yo has prided this 2022-23 team on defending and playing tough defense, it was the offense that shined in the win over State.
The Rebels, who have averaged just about five three-pointers per game, dropped nine from deep, including five from guard Snudda Collins. The team shot an even 50% from the field and had 27 points off the bench.
Snudda Collins hits her fifth 3-point shot of the night! pic.twitter.com/hGjqzHai4o
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) January 27, 2023
Coach Yo said that her team does not necessarily rely on the three-ball to win games, but it definitely came in handy to beat the Bulldogs.
“We are a hit and miss group. Tonight, everything just felt great. Everything that we have been working on felt good in the last two days.”
Coach Yo
The Rebel offense finished with four players in double figures, led by perennial scorer Angel Baker with 17 points. She also filled up the stat sheet once again with seven rebounds and six assists.
Just how we drew it up! pic.twitter.com/oYJzi2ehEC
— Ole Miss Women's BB (@OleMissWBB) January 27, 2023
Snudda Collins scored all 15 of her points from beyond the arc. Forward Marquesha Davis had an efficient 14 points on 6-8 shooting. Finally, forward Madison Scott tacked on 11 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
Guard Myah Taylor, who posted seven points and six assists against her former team, said that the team was much looser than it had been in the two losses prior.
“We learned a lot losing those two games,” Taylor said.
“Tonight, we had fun. We got back to our Ole Miss basketball. We defend, and we did that tonight.”
Myah Taylor
While the offense was lighting it up, the defense was still its usual self. The Rebels held the Bulldogs to 41% shooting, including only allowing two three-pointers. They were also plus-four on the defensive boards and forced 11 turnovers. The defense was able to start quickly, allowing the team to outscore MSU 20-8 in the first quarter. The Bulldogs were never able to make up ground.
Ole Miss fans showed up in droves for the rivalry matchup, and Angel Baker said that the crowd was vital in the victorious effort.
“The crowd makes a difference. It definitely gives your team momentum. We need the fans, for sure.”
Angel Baker on the Rebel crowd
According to Coach Yo’s four-game pod system, the Rebels finished 2-2 in the most recent pod, which ended with the Mississippi State victory. Given that the pod included the losing skid and its energetic answer, Coach Yo explained that the ups and downs of the pod matured her team immensely.
“It was key,” McPhee-McCuin said about the 2-2 pod.
“Who has success without some type of failure? I always give this basketball analogy. With my life, I never get a wide-open layup. I always have to do a Euro step or a pro-hop. It has just never been a breakaway layup for me. That is not how I expect this season to go. I thought that through the adversity and our team having to mature and respond allowed us to continue to grow, and I am really proud of them and where we are headed next.”
Coach Yo on facing adversity
Up Next
The Rebels (17-4, 6-2 SEC) will open their next four-game pod this Sunday, January 29th, on the road against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Tipoff from Fayetteville is set for 4 p.m. CT on the 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!
