Rebels complete 19-point comeback in 76-73 overtime win over No. 24 Arkansas
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss women’s basketball team came back from a 19-point halftime deficit to defeat the Arkansas Razorbacks 76-73 in overtime Sunday night in Fayetteville.
The win propelled head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s squad, which firmly sits fourth in the SEC, to 7-2 in the conference. It also improved the team’s overall record to 18-4.
(Click here for box score.)
This team is FOR REAL 🗣 pic.twitter.com/MllX2lSrIk
— Ole Miss Women's BB (@OleMissWBB) January 30, 2023
The game was seemingly out of reach for the Rebels after an abysmal second quarter. The Razorbacks took a 18-16 lead into the second frame, but a 21-4 quarter favoring Arkansas allowed the Razorbacks to take a 39-20 lead into the half.
Ole Miss came out hot in the second half, however, and the Rebs slowly and methodically got back into the game. The Ole Miss defense gave up a mere 25 points in the entirety of the second half, which was the same amount of points Coach Yo’s team scored in the fourth quarter alone.
Compared to 52% shooting for Arkansas in the first half, Ole Miss held the Razorbacks to 36% shooting in the second half. The offense also heated up for the Rebels, as they shot 57% from the field in the second half compared to 26% in the first half.
The Hogs had a chance at the free throw line with seven seconds to play to stretch the lead to three, but Arkansas forward Erynn Barnum, who had 37 points in the game to lead all scorers, split her two free throws. The Rebels would then take the ball down the floor in the fast break and score a buzzer-beating layup courtesy of a wide-open Tyia Singleton.
After being down 19 at the half, the Rebels fight back and we are going to OT!! pic.twitter.com/ve8wg4Wnm6
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) January 30, 2023
Guard Angel Baker fouled out in the fourth quarter and Singleton did the same early in the overtime period, but the Rebels were able to prevail without them, outscoring the Razorbacks in overtime 12-9.
Myah Taylor with a beautiful drive for the go-ahead shot for the Rebels, to be followed by three clutch free throws by Snudda. Your Rebs get the big comeback Win, 76-73! Hotty Toddy! pic.twitter.com/J4R8kG3qib
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) January 30, 2023
Guard Marquesha Davis was the leading scorer for Ole Miss with 20 points, while also grabbing eight boards. Forward Madison Scott was the other Rebel in double-figures with 14. Her 12 rebounds rounded out her eighth double-double of the season.
Baker scored nine points on 4-13 shooting before fouling out. However, seven Ole Miss players, including the two in double-figures, were able to score seven or more points.
The Rebel offense did most of its damage in the paint, outscoring the Razorbacks 52-34 close to the basket. They were also efficient in grabbing offensive boards when they missed, outrebounding the Razorbacks 18-2 on the offensive boards, leading to a 21-3 differential in second-chance points.
The efficiency in the paint allowed the Rebels to disguise a 1-11 shooting performance from the three-point line.
Up Next
Coach Yo’s Rebels (18-4, 7-2 SEC) will be back on the road for a matchup against Tennessee, who is 8-0 in the SEC, this Thursday, February 2nd, in Knoxville. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT 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!
