Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Looks to Keep Win Streak Against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Home Opener
OXFORD, Miss. – This Sunday, the Ole Miss women’s basketball team will host the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions for the fourth-ever meeting between the two programs. The Rebels look to extend their perfect record against Pine Bluff while marking the start of a season-long celebration of 50 years of Ole Miss women’s basketball.
Less than a year ago, these two teams battled at Clemmons Arena in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Now, after nearly a decade, the Golden Lions are set to return to Oxford for the first time since 2015 to face the Rebels in another showdown.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff comes to Oxford with a roster that has undergone significant changes, with only three returning players from last season and a completely new coaching staff. Former Golden Lion Starr Jacobs will now face her old team in her new Ole Miss uniform. For head coach Erica Leak and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, this matchup is another opportunity to evaluate their new roster and coaching strategies against a strong opponent.
Ole Miss has historically dominated against the Golden Lions, winning by 31 points in their first meeting, 35 in the second—both at home—and 15 in the most recent away game.
Capitalizing on turnovers and defensive breakdowns, Ole Miss has controlled the speed of the game with their intense defense and shifty offense. In the last three meetings, the Rebels have had more points off of turnovers and in the paint than the Golden Lions. Ole Miss has also utilized their height advantage, consistently winning the rebounding battle, leading to more second-chance points.
With both teams coming off heartbreaking losses in the final seconds of their previous games, each team will be eager to bounce back in hopes of securing their first win of the season.
Facing an early-season test Monday against a perennial No. 3 USC, who appeared in the Elite Eight in last year’s NCAA Tournament, Ole Miss was unable to complete a second half comeback, falling 66-68. The Golden Lions fell, 63-60, to Tulsa Wednesday.
50 years of Ole Miss Women’s Basketball
On another historical note, this season marks five decades of growth, achievement, and resilience for Ole Miss Women’s Basketball. For 50 years, since 1974, the program has continuously grown into the powerhouse that it is today, with a rich history of hanging banners, building legacies, and celebrating success.
“I don’t think about the wins, I think about what our players have become.” ❤️
– Coach Van Chancellor pic.twitter.com/rYnI7oSguZ
— Ole Miss Women’s BB (@OleMissWBB) November 7, 2024
The Rebels 2024-25 season is dedicated to honoring everyone who has contributed to the program’s foundation and success. Each game will feature special recognitions and celebrations for the milestones and achievements that have shaped Ole Miss Women’s Basketball throughout history.
Watch the Rebels Live at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion or tune in on ESPN and SECN+!
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.
