Ignite the engine: Ole Miss’ Christeen Iwuala and Cotie McMahon star in 94-44 win over Southern
OXFORD, Miss. — The Ole Miss women’s basketball team moved to 3-0 Wednesday night, defeating Southern University, 94-44, in the SJB Pavilion. Christeen Iwuala and Cotie McMahon led the way in scoring for Ole Miss, each posting double-doubles.
Iwuala, a transfer from UCLA, and McMahon, a transfer from Ohio State, have not disappointed to start the season. Iwuala tallied 22 points and 11 rebounds, while McMahon would notch 18 points on the night and secure 10 rebounds for a double-double that marked the 11th of her career.
Iwuala controlled the game from the very beginning, shooting 10-14 from the field. The senior forward shot 4-4 in the first quarter, and assembled a quick eight points on the stat sheet for Ole Miss. Her scoring presence is important if Ole Miss wants to be successful in late-game situations, and that comes through her continued work and confidence in her abilities.
.@ChristeenIwuala putting on a show 🤫#HottyToddy x #Give https://t.co/NDWUb5Ldgz pic.twitter.com/RhBASOxhSw
— Ole Miss Women’s BB (@OleMissWBB) November 13, 2025
Iwuala’s paint presence created many open shots for Ole Miss behind the arc, allowing the Rebels to attempt 23 shots from the three point line against Southern.
“I feel like just believing in the work I put in during the offseason. Last season, I was hesitant more, and I was apprehensive about coming into a new place. But a year under my belt, and all these new people surrounding me, the goals we have set out, were trying to go to the Final Four.”
Ole Miss F Christeen Iwuala on her progression from last season
The efforts from Iwuala didn’t go unnoticed by her head coach, Yolett McPhee-McCuin.
“Really like what Christeen is doing. She is a true example of how what you do in the dark will come out in the light… I think she is going to be one of the best posts in the SEC.“
– Coach Yo on Christeen Iwuala
As for McMahon, she, too, tallied another strong night for Ole Miss on both ends of the floor, and the sky is the limit for the front court for the Rebels in the 2025-2026 season. McMahon has been used as a point guard throughout the first three games, finding a new role, and embracing it.
“Honestly, it’s cool, she’s really pushing me to expand my game, and just get better, and her biggest thing right now is growth.”
Cotie McMahon on Coach Yo pushing her
McMahon’s confidence is evident, and rightfully so, as she gives Ole Miss a chance to score from any point on the court. She was an AP All-American Honorable Mention coming into the season. Her status as one of the top players in the country helped Ole Miss finish with the No. 2 transfer portal class in the country this offseason.
THREE PIECE 👌 @cotiemcmahon23 #NCAAWBB x 🎥 SECN+ / @OleMissWBB pic.twitter.com/4oQe2hzNJp
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) November 13, 2025
Showcasing great characteristics as a team leader, McMahon doesn’t shy away from criticism from her coaches, and she continues to grow and learn every game.
After the game, Coach Yo commented on her team’s performance.
“I don’t think any of our players have played their best, and to me that’s encouraging. We need to be playing our best in February. Cotie didn’t even play well, and she ended up with 18 and 10.”
Coach Yo on her team’s performance
Next up:
Ole Miss travels to Memphis for a non-conference game on Tuesday, November 18. This will be the first time the Rebels and Tigers have met since 2009. Tipoff is set for 7:00 pm.
Daylan Flowers
Daylan is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas and currently a junior Journalism major at Ole Miss with an emphasis in sports media and a minor in history. In addition to his work for The Rebel Walk, Daylan is the creator of 'The Daylan Show,' a podcast that shares stories from people all over the sports and media world. He is an avid Arsenal, Cowboys, and St.Louis Cardinals fan. Daylan has a strong passion for photography, including many sporting events and photoshoots.
