TRANSCRIPT: Coach Yo Breaks Down Ole Miss’ Win Over Gonzaga, Praises Defense and Leadership

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MINNEAPOLIS — After an authoritative 81-66 win over Gonzaga in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin struck a balance between satisfaction and perspective.

While proud of her team’s performance — particularly on the defensive end — Coach Yo remained focused on growth, execution, and the bigger picture that lies ahead in March. She also took time to show respect for Gonzaga, highlight key performances, and provide an update on Jayla Murray following an in-game injury.

Coach Yo’s Opening Statement:

Just great game for us. Really have a lot of respect for Gonzaga. They played the whole way.

I remember what it’s like to be on that end, and I thought that even though we didn’t finish the way I would want us to finish, I thought it was pretty cool for them to be able to create memories for their fans and whatnot, and I know that they’re young, so maybe they can build off of how they finished going into the next season, and I just wish them the best of luck.

Q. Do you have an update on Jayla Murray?

YOLETT McPHEE-McCUIN: No. No update. She got hit in the head, so usually when that happens, then there needs to be just time, because if you get hit in the head, you’re going to be a little bit shooken up. We didn’t feel like we needed to put her back in the game, so we just did it as precautionary.

Q. I think it was maybe Florida or a different game, you said that your defense was kind of suffering not having Sira because she sparked a lot of that. Four blocks, three steals today. How much did it mean to have her out there dictating and disrupting?

YOLETT McPHEE-McCUIN: Oh, my gosh, 12 points, eight rebounds, three steals, four blocks after a month off? What do you think? I’m a happy camper, to the point where I was like, I just wanted to bottle her up. I didn’t even play her anymore after that.

She just means a lot to us, and I think her sitting out and having a chance to watch the game has really helped her, and we’re going to need her, so grateful to have her back.

Q. Can you talk about how Denim DeShields played today?

YOLETT McPHEE-McCUIN: I was really impressed with Denim. Initially I was kind of upset with her because I felt like she should have commanded the floor more. Then as the game went on, she really started to come on with it, and I just kept telling her, that’s the Denim that I want to coach, that’s the Denim that I know, the whole time. I just couldn’t stop saying it because she is going to be very important. She is the true point guard on the team. She’s really the only true point. Cotie plays the point because she is talented, but Denim is the point guard. That’s what we brought her in to do. I was really pleased after calling her up with the way she delivered.

Closing thoughts

With a first-round win secured, Ole Miss now turns its attention to the next challenge, knowing the margin for error only shrinks from here.

If Friday’s performance was any indication, the Rebels have the pieces — and the mindset — to keep this run going. But as McPhee-McCuin made clear, continued growth, leadership at the point guard position, and the impact of playmakers like Sira Thienou will be critical as the stakes rise.

March is about surviving and advancing — and for Ole Miss, the journey is just getting started.