Ole Miss women’s basketball set to take on Michigan in Championship of Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas — Ole Miss women’s basketball has advanced to the championship of the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament in the Bahamas where head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her team are set to face Michigan Monday.
The Wolverines, who are 4-0 on the season, defeated South Dakota, 70-52, to reach the championship game.
During their time in the Bahamas, the Rebels have put together two well-earned victories, the first against Howard on Saturday and then a solid Arizona team Sunday.
In both victories, senior guard Madison Scott led the Rebels in minutes played while scoring 21 points against Howard and then 10 against Arizona.
Facing an 11-point deficit toward the end of the second quarter against the Wildcats, Ole Miss (4-1) came out hot in the second half to hand Arizona (5-1) its first loss of the season.
That’s how you start the third quarter! @MarqueshaDavis
https://t.co/sPshywZm8G | @FloHoops pic.twitter.com/lbLE0Jcz4r
— Ole Miss Women’s BB (@OleMissWBB) November 19, 2023
Three Rebels pieced together double-figure performances in the semifinal win, with Marquesha Davis leading all scorers with a season-high 17 points. Davis also snagged a season-high six rebounds. Starting point guard KK Deans dropped 13 points with two assists and two steals. With her 24th career double-double and third of the year, Scott grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds in addition to her 10 points.
Madi doing what Madi does best ⛹️♀️https://t.co/sPshywZm8G | @FloHoops pic.twitter.com/AMjE8jwvyk
— Ole Miss Women’s BB (@OleMissWBB) November 19, 2023
Against Michigan, it will be crucial for the Rebs to get Scott involved early in the scoring game. When Michigan played South Dakota, the Coyotes’ leading scorer put up 16, something Scott is more than capable of matching.
For the Wolverines, it has been junior Laila Phelia who has averaged the most minutes per game, as well as points. Between the two games that Michigan has played in the Bahamas, Phelia scored 20 and 13 points while shooting a combined 9-10 from the free throw line.
When comparing the two teams, Michigan has scored more points, averaging roughly 73 points per game. The Wolverines have posted better shooting percentages in the field, at the free throw line, and at the three-point line. While the margins are close, it is still worth noticing the offensive capabilities that Michigan can bring to the court.
But the Rebels’ don’t have “We Defend” as their motto for nothing.
Over the last three games, the Rebel defense has been one of the best in the country.
Against Arizona on Sunday afternoon, Ole Miss held the Wildcats to 47 points after they had scored 90 the day before in a win over Memphis. Ole Miss also has more steals, blocks, and rebounds than Michigan—three stats that could play a crucial role in Monday’s contest.
If the Rebs can find success in the field and keep the ball moving offensively, I believe this defense will be too much to handle for Michigan, giving Ole Miss the win.
Tune in at 11 a.m. Monday on ESPN 2 to watch the Rebels take on the Wolverines in the Battle 4 Atlantis championship!
