Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Topples No. 8/11 Kentucky on Madison Scott’s Historic Night

OXFORD, Miss. – (Release) Ole Miss women’s basketball reentered the win column by making a statement over No. 8/11 Kentucky, defeating the Wildcats, 66-57, at the SJB Pavilion on Monday evening.

For the second time under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, the Rebels’ (16-7, 7-4 SEC) toppled an Associated Press top 10 ranked team and the first since doing so since dropping No. 5 Stanford on March 19, 2023. In total, Ole Miss has accumulated 31 victories over top 10 teams.

The Rebels are now on a six-game winning streak over the Wildcats (19-3, 8-2 SEC), dating back to Feb. 4, 2021. With the win today, Ole Miss has won four games in a row when Kentucky is ranked in the top 25, and has won 10 overall under those circumstances.

In her 145th game as a Rebel, Madison Scott officially became the most experienced player in Ole Miss history. She passed Rebel legend Peggie Gillom-Granderson for most games played donning an OIe Miss jersey. She shined in her history-making day, scoring a team-leading 22 points while adding six rebounds and two blocks.

The Rebels outrebounded the Wildcats, 54-33, proving to be a difference-maker down the stretch. Ole Miss outrebounding by 21 is the widest gap for the Wildcats this season, and the only time that Kentucky has trailed by 20-plus rebounds. The Wildcats had only been outrebounded six times entering this game and it’s their second loss when it has occurred.

Kentucky was a perfect 17-0 this season when holding a higher shooting percentage than its opponents, until today. Additionally, Kentucky dropped to 0-3 in games scoring less than 60 points, as 55 is tied for its second-lowest point total of the season.

Sira Thienou, Starr Jacobs and Kennedy Todd-Williams each contributed significantly on the boards. The trio collected nine rebounds apiece, with Thienou’s mark setting a career-high. All five starters had at least five each, and nine of Ole Miss’ 10 players to get action against Kentucky registered at least two rebounds.

Additionally, Christeen Iwuala made her first career start in an Ole Miss uniform. The junior scored eight points and added five rebounds.

Ole Miss’ bench got involved early in the game, with Rhema Collins and Mariyah Noel providing sparks for the Rebel team. Thienou forced a Kentucky turnover, then found Collins on a fast break attempt. Collins electrified the crowd while making her layup through heavy contact. Noel pulled off the same basket as the quarter expired, nailing her shot at the rim at the buzzer. After the exciting quarter, the Rebels were within reach, 22-18.

Thienou stole the show in the second quarter, recording her 70th steal of the season. She joined Armintie Price (2003-04) and Alisa Scott (1983-84) as the only freshmen in Ole Miss history to record that many steals. Scoring-wise, Scott continued her offensive authority by leading the Rebels with eight points in the second. She finished the first half with 12 points for her 15th game in double figures and sixth in a row. Kentucky led, 37-31, at the conclusion of the first half.

Ole Miss held Kentucky scoreless on its first three offensive possessions and for over two minutes into the second half. In that time, Scott helped the Rebels chip away at the lead by draining a baseline jumper and dropping a layup after a perfectly placed ball by Tameiya Sadler. Kentucky then reached an eight-point lead, its largest of the day.

KK Deans would give the Rebels some momentum after she became the 13th player in program history to join the 1,500-point club, and the third this season. She accomplished her feat in electrifying fashion, maneuvering through defenders to the bucket. Deans’ basket kickstarted a 9-2 run for the Rebels, including a Todd-Williams three in the closing seconds of the quarter. Her tally gave Ole Miss a 48-47 lead, its first of the day.

The team, and the crowd, began the fourth quarter fired up. Deans made a 3-pointer as Scott and Jacobs each made close range shots to build a Rebel lead. Ole Miss stifled Kentucky’s offense, forcing them to miss five of its opening seven shots.

Todd-Williams perfectly orchestrated on the offensive side to find Jacobs wide open in the paint, who would not miss her opportunity to give the Rebels a six-point lead with under two minutes remaining. The Wildcats were forced to fouling with under a minute remaining, putting the Rebels in position to secure the victory. Deans made her four of her free throws, while Thienou and Jacobs made one each to fashion the final score, 66-57.

The Rebels have a quick turnaround, traveling to Fayetteville to face Arkansas on Feb. 13. Tipoff against the Razorbacks is set for 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on SECN+.