Ole Miss women’s basketball drops first game in 42 days in 63-58 loss to Alabama
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss women’s basketball team dropped its first game since December 4th in a 63-58 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide Sunday afternoon in Oxford.
The loss, which dropped the Rebels to 16-3 on the season and 5-1 in the SEC, snapped the team’s nine-game winning streak and its five-game winning streak to start conference play.
Head coach Yolett-McPhee McCuin was visibly frustrated at her postgame press conference, stating that the performance was completely uncharacteristic from her team.
“Alabama wanted it more than us. I am just really just incredibly disappointed in our effort for forty minutes.”
Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin
The Rebels struggled mightly on the offensive end, especially after a 17-point first quarter. They shot 33% from the field and 61% (11-18) from the free-throw line.
Coach Yo attributed the lack of offensive production to a lack of toughness form her players.
“We weren’t being tough. When we were 5-0, we were being tough, but then we decide to take the day off. This is what happens in the SEC.”
Coach Yo on her team’s lack of toughness Sunday
Coach Yo also took responsibility for the loss in a postgame tweet where she also expressed gratitude for the large crowd in attendance.
Incredibly disappointed in the outcome today. The loss was on me. The crowd was amazing! You tried to get us over the hump and we just couldn’t today. Ball just wouldn’t go in. Credit to Alabama. We will respond. #HottyToddy #NoCeilings #Thrive https://t.co/KOoUTlRCV7
— Coach Yo (@YolettMcCuin) January 16, 2023
The rebounding margin favored the Rebels, 42-39, including 14-8 on the offensive boards. However, they were not able to convert too well off the offensive boards, as they only outscored Alabama 10-8 in that department.
Guard Destiny Salary led the Rebels in scoring with 16 points after coming off the bench for guard Myah Taylor, who picked up two early fouls and would eventually foul out of the game. Although she expressed gratitude for Salary’s performance, Coach Yo expressed that no moral victories will be taken from the game.
“We have absolutely no excuse. We got beat. Alabama manhandled us for forty minutes. Nobody played well on our team. We took this L today, and maybe it will help us out in the future.”
Coach Yo on the Rebels’ loss
The other Rebels in double-figures were guard Angel Baker and forward Madison Scott. Baker finished with 12 points on 4-15 shooting. Scott recorded another double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Coach Yo sounded confident that her team would rebound in a positive manner in its next game against Auburn.
“We have a week off, and we need it,” McPhee-McCuin said. “We’ve got to work on some things, watch film, look ourselves in the mirror, and come back and be better.”
As Coach Yo said, the Rebels have a week off before their next contest on the road against Auburn on Sunday, January 22nd. Tipoff at Auburn is set for 4 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
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!
