In a pivotal Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup with significant NCAA tournament implications, the Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball team orchestrated a stunning comeback to defeat the No. 7 LSU Tigers 85-77 on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. This victory not only disrupted LSU’s momentum but also bolstered Ole Miss’s prospects of hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament—a potential first for the program.
A Game of Dramatic Swings
The contest began with LSU asserting dominance, capitalizing on their home-court advantage to build a substantial lead. Midway through the third quarter, the Tigers led by as many as 15 points, seemingly poised to secure another conference victory. citeturn0search10 However, the Rebels displayed resilience, initiating a remarkable turnaround that would define the game’s outcome.
Tameiya Sadler emerged as a catalyst for Ole Miss, delivering a standout performance with 19 points, including five crucial three-pointers. Her sharpshooting ignited the Rebels’ offense, enabling them to chip away at LSU’s lead. Complementing Sadler’s efforts, the team intensified their defensive pressure, forcing turnovers that translated into transition points. This defensive tenacity was evident as Ole Miss scored 27 points off turnovers throughout the game.
Key Statistical Highlights
- Points in the Paint: Ole Miss exploited defensive gaps, scoring 38 points in the paint, surpassing their season average of 34.
- Turnover Battle: The Rebels’ defense was instrumental, forcing turnovers that disrupted LSU’s offensive rhythm and led to easy baskets.
- Rebounding: Both teams battled on the boards, but timely rebounds by Ole Miss during critical stretches contributed to their comeback.
Historic Significance
This victory was monumental for Ole Miss, marking their first win in Baton Rouge since February 7, 2010, and snapping a 12-game losing streak against LSU. The win underscored the program’s growth under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, affectionately known as Coach Yo, who has been pivotal in elevating the team’s competitiveness within the SEC.
Implications for NCAA Tournament Seeding
The timing of this victory cannot be overstated. Prior to the game, ESPN’s bracketologist Charlie Creme had projected Ole Miss as a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament, indicating a secure position but not within the top 16 that would grant hosting privileges. The win over a top-10 opponent like LSU has significant ramifications, propelling Ole Miss into the conversation for a top-16 seed. Such a seeding would allow the Rebels to host the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament in Oxford, a milestone the program has yet to achieve.
Coach Yo expressed optimism regarding this prospect, stating, “I think we deserve it as much as anyone. If we do, Oxford will show out.” Hosting NCAA tournament games would not only be a testament to the team’s success but also a boon for the local community, fostering increased support and visibility for women’s basketball in the region.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum
With the regular season concluding, Ole Miss turns its attention to the SEC tournament, where they aim to further solidify their NCAA tournament seeding. The Rebels’ recent performances, including the victory over LSU, have demonstrated their capability to compete with and defeat elite teams. This momentum is crucial as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Key factors that will influence their postseason success include:
- Consistency: Maintaining the level of play exhibited against LSU, particularly in terms of defensive intensity and offensive execution.
- Health: Ensuring that key players remain healthy and available, as depth becomes increasingly important in tournament settings.
- Focus: Approaching each game with the same determination and resilience that fueled their comeback against LSU.
Community and Fan Engagement
The possibility of hosting NCAA tournament games has energized the Ole Miss fan base. The prospect of bringing March Madness to Oxford has sparked excitement, with fans eager to showcase their support on a national stage. This enthusiasm reflects the broader growth and appreciation of women’s basketball, both within the university and the surrounding community.
Conclusion
Ole Miss’s triumph over No. 7 LSU is more than just a single victory; it symbolizes the program’s evolution and its readiness to compete at the highest levels. The win has reshaped their postseason trajectory, positioning them for potential hosting duties in the NCAA tournament—a historic opportunity that Coach Yo and her team have diligently worked toward.
As the Rebels prepare for the SEC tournament and beyond, they carry with them the lessons learned from this season’s challenges and successes. Their journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with resilience, strategic planning, and community support, milestones once thought unattainable can become reality.
The coming weeks will test Ole Miss’s resolve and skill, but if their performance against LSU is any indication, the Rebels are poised to make a significant impact in the postseason, potentially turning Oxford into a focal point of women’s college basketball excitement.