Kids Day: Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Dominates Jackson State for Third Straight Win, Marks Coach Yo’s 200th Career Victory
OXFORD, Miss. – The Sandy and John Black Pavilion was packed and buzzing with excitement Monday as Ole Miss Women’s Basketball hosted Jackson State on Kids Day. The cheering kids fueled the Rebels in their 76-44 victory over the Tigers. After the game, graduate Ole Miss guard KK Deans said with a smile, “It’s just something about playing in front of screaming kids.”
Did it for the kids 🥳 pic.twitter.com/gtbzTTBXIn
— Ole Miss Women’s BB (@OleMissWBB) November 18, 2024
The game began with Ole Miss (3-1, 0-0 SEC) setting the tone early, forcing Jackson State to take tough shots at the rim. Offensively, the Rebels were in attack mode, earning free throws and creating second-chance opportunities. Keeping this up, by the end of the first quarter, Ole Miss had built a 10-point lead, 19-9.
In the second quarter, the Rebels continued to control the game, pushing the lead to 31-22 by halftime, but it was the third quarter where Ole Miss truly took over. Coming out of the locker room, Rebels’ head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin increased the defensive intensity with a full-court press, leading to a 12-2 run to open the second half. Her team surged for 23 points in the third quarter, while Jackson State only scored eight.
The Tigers scrambled to adjust but they had no answer for the Ole Miss defense. Traps, backtaps, and a big block by Madison Scott kept the Tigers off balance the rest of the way. The Rebels’ suffocating defense was the story of the game, forcing Jackson State into 29 turnovers, the most they have had this season, while also racking up 20 steals.
This whole series on replay plz 🔄@IAMMADISCOTT | @Starr7Jacobs pic.twitter.com/TkeJs1Q0rR
— Ole Miss Women’s BB (@OleMissWBB) November 18, 2024
A huge part of this win was freshman guard Sira Thienou, who scored a career-high 16 points, showcasing her scoring ability and high-energy play.
HAVE! A! DAY! SIRA! 👑
She shot 7-8 and has a new career-high of 16 points! pic.twitter.com/B0LaG7NPTt
— Ole Miss Women’s BB (@OleMissWBB) November 18, 2024
Coach Yo commended Thienou after the game.
“Sira is just getting started; she is going to do great things. She always gives everything that she has, and if you ask her why she always works so hard, she’ll say because she cannot afford not to.”
Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin on Sira Thienou
A day to remember! Kids day, a freshman career-high, and a 200th win for Coach Yo.
That’s our coach 🫡
Congrats to @YolettMcCuin on win No. 200 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/QsNAokjkH2
— Ole Miss Women’s BB (@OleMissWBB) November 18, 2024
Reflecting on the achievement, she credited her players and coaching staff for their commitment.
“One of the biggest factors that has contributed to our success over the years is the buy-in of my players and staff.“
Coach Yo on reaching her 200th career win
Deans finished with 10 points, while Kennedy Todd-Williams and Madison Scott added 9 apiece. (Click here for box score.)
Up Next
The Rebels now have a seven-day break before stepping back onto the court to face Boston College in their opening game at the Continental Baha Mar Hoops Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, on November 25th at 4 p.m. Stay tuned to The Rebel Walk and we’ll keep. you updated on their games.
Nya Stewart
An emerging, vibrant figure in sports media, summa cum laude graduate Nya Stewart brings both personal and professional experience to her role. With a degree in Media Communication and having played and student-coached collegiate basketball, Nya developed a deep connection to sports. Her previous work as a show host and sports broadcaster confirmed her passion for the field and solidified her commitment to sports journalism. Her reporting offers insightful and engaging perspectives that captivate and inform her audience. In her free time, Nya enjoys spending time with her daughter and family, as well as watching sports.
