Rebels “defend” their way to 68-42 win over Florida
OXFORD, Miss. – The mantra “We Defend” for the Ole Miss women’s basketball team came to full fruition Sunday afternoon in a 68-42 victory over the Florida Gators at the SJB Pavilion in Oxford.
With five games remaining in the regular season, the Rebels move to 8-3 in conference play and 19-5 overall, bringing them one-step closer to the goal of the NCAA Tournament.
The Ole Miss defense was on board from the opening tip, and it only got better as the game went on. In the first half, the defense held the Gators to 23 points on 26% shooting while also forcing nine turnovers and out-rebounding Florida, 26-15.
Offensively, three Rebels scored at least seven points in the first half, including guard Angel Baker with nine points, forward Madison Scott with eight points, and guard Marquesha Davis with seven points. They took a 33-23 lead into the halftime break.
The second half was even better than the first, as Ole Miss gave up just 18 points in the entire second half, including only eight points in the third quarter. Florida shot a mere 22% from the field and turned the ball over 10 times.
The offense for the Rebels came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 25 points and outscoring the Gators’ second half scoreline in the final frame alone.
For the game, Ole Miss shot 43% from the field and was led once again by Baker with 18 points.
Step-back jumper good from @angthegoat15 to make the Rebel lead a dozen! pic.twitter.com/c9NsXS2aFX
— Ole Miss Women's BB (@OleMissWBB) February 5, 2023
Scott and Davis were the other two Rebels in double-figures with 15 points apiece. Scott also tacked on seven rebounds.
Finishing the half with a flourish, Marquesha Davis makes the basket and converts the 3-point play for a 10-point Ole Miss lead. pic.twitter.com/gHgdStINEg
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) February 5, 2023
However, it is the numbers on the defensive end that tell the story of the game. Ole Miss allowed only 13 made baskets. The Rebs held the Gators to thirty points under their per game point average (72) and 15 percentage points under their per game shooting average (41.4%).
When the defense is on point, Coach @YolettMcCuin is happy. pic.twitter.com/MGe5KhEJSd
— Ole Miss Women's BB (@OleMissWBB) February 5, 2023
After the game, head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin said that this was the response the team needed after a tough loss to Tennessee last Thursday night.
“We really needed to come back and show what Ole Miss women’s basketball is about. It was a great game for us for forty minutes.”
Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin
Coach Yo has virtually trademarked the phrase “We Defend” for her team, and she said that this game reaffirmed the team’s identity to being one that does just that.
“We may not make a layup, and we may have some empty possessions on offense, but we are going to guard, and that is who we are, and that is what we are always going to be about.”
Coach Yo on her Rebels’ defense
The defensive effort provided the lowest point total given up by the Rebels since long before SEC play when they just allowed 40 points to Little Rock back on November 13.
When asked about the defensive performance, Madison Scott echoed the same “We Defend” mantra as her head coach.
“That is what we do. We defend. Through some of these games, we lost our identity sometimes, so today was big for us because I feel like we played Ole Miss defense.”
Madison Scott on the play of the defense
Coach Yo said that a win like the one today was a huge sign in the development of her program.
“What my staff, administration, and what I have set out to do is build a program. No matter who leaves or comes, we are going to defend. We are going to rebound. We are going to run and share the ball. I don’t think this program has even touched its climax. No ceilings, right? We just have to continue to put out a good product.”
Coach Yo
She also described conversations she had with her team after the Tennessee loss, which involved likening the program’s development to some of the greats in women’s basketball.
“I don’t ever want my team to feel like they don’t belong just because we are not that name brand. We are building just like Pat Summitt built back in the day, Geno Auriemma, Dawn Staley, and Yo is here, and Yo is in year five. When we step on the floor and we represent Ole Miss, people expect us to play at a high level and expect us to fight.”
Coach Yo
Up Next
Coach Yo’s Rebels (19-5, 8-3 SEC) will look to continue their success after a week off when they resume play on Monday, February 13, against the Kentucky Wildcats. Tipoff from the SJB Pavilion in Oxford is set for 6 p.m. 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!
