In a pivotal road victory over South Carolina, Ole Miss perseveres until the end.
In a thrilling, high-stakes matchup, the Ole Miss Rebels came into Colonial Life Arena and delivered a stunning performance, defeating South Carolina in a game that tested their resolve, stamina, and team chemistry. The SEC clash between these two powerhouse programs was a spectacle of grit, determination, and skill, with Ole Miss ultimately persevering until the final whistle to secure a monumental 72-68 victory.
For Ole Miss, this win was more than just a road triumph—it was a statement. The Rebels, led by head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, are in the midst of building something special in Oxford, and this victory against a top-tier team like South Carolina solidified their position as a serious contender in the SEC and beyond. On the other side, South Carolina, under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, had been rolling through the season, making this defeat particularly stinging. But for both teams, it was a pivotal game that held significant implications for seeding and momentum as they approached the backstretch of conference play.
The Context: Why This Game Mattered
When you look at the context of this game, it becomes clear that it wasn’t just any ordinary SEC matchup. Both Ole Miss and South Carolina were competing for crucial positioning in the standings, with each team eyeing a high seeding for the SEC Tournament and potentially the NCAA Tournament.
South Carolina entered the game ranked in the Top 10, as one of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball. With players like Aliyah Boston, a potential WNBA No. 1 pick, and Zia Cooke, the Gamecocks were stacked with talent. Their defensive identity, built on suffocating pressure and relentless hustle, had kept most teams at bay. Staley’s program, fresh off a national championship, was always considered a juggernaut and a team that could win it all again.
On the other hand, Ole Miss was quietly emerging as a force in the SEC. With a core group of players who had shown flashes of brilliance, the Rebels were hungry for a signature win that would catapult them into the national conversation. McPhee-McCuin’s leadership had transformed the program over the last few seasons, and this game against a nationally ranked South Carolina team was the perfect opportunity to prove they belonged among the conference elite.
The Game: Tension From the Start
From the opening tip, it was clear that this game would not be easy for either team. South Carolina, known for its defensive intensity, immediately began applying full-court pressure, forcing Ole Miss to play at a frenetic pace. However, the Rebels were up to the task. Madison Scott, one of Ole Miss’ most versatile players, stepped up early with a few key baskets and tough rebounds, showing that the Rebels wouldn’t be intimidated on the road.
South Carolina’s defense, spearheaded by Boston in the paint and Cooke on the perimeter, created problems for Ole Miss, especially in the half-court offense. But Ole Miss remained resilient, executing crisp passes, moving the ball well, and finding open shooters in transition. Jada Williams, one of Ole Miss’ star guards, played a major role in breaking down South Carolina’s defense with her speed and vision, consistently finding her teammates in positions to score.
Despite South Carolina’s early lead, which came from a dominant inside presence by Boston and a few timely three-pointers from Cooke, Ole Miss never backed down. The Rebels clawed back with a series of defensive stops, and they closed the gap in the second quarter, thanks to an aggressive offensive attack. Shakira Austin, Ole Miss’ standout forward, imposed her will on both ends of the court. Austin’s combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ allowed her to match up with Boston in the post, making crucial baskets and providing a strong defensive presence.
The first half ended in dramatic fashion, with Ole Miss narrowing South Carolina’s lead to just two points, 35-33. The crowd in Colonial Life Arena, normally known for its deafening noise, seemed uneasy, knowing that the Rebels were refusing to go away.
The Second Half: Ole Miss Turns Up the Heat
The second half began with a sense of urgency for both teams. South Carolina, knowing they had to defend their home court, started strong, but Ole Miss was poised to make their move. McPhee-McCuin’s coaching adjustments were evident as Ole Miss started to impose its tempo. The Rebels increased their defensive pressure, with Williams and Scott disrupting passing lanes and forcing South Carolina into uncomfortable positions.
One of the key turning points came early in the third quarter when Ole Miss found its rhythm from beyond the arc. Luisia Harris, who had struggled shooting in the first half, found her shooting touch and drained back-to-back three-pointers, helping Ole Miss take its first lead of the game. The Rebels’ shooting stretch was critical, as it forced South Carolina to adjust its defensive schemes and opened up the floor for other offensive opportunities.
Meanwhile, Austin continued to play with poise, using her versatility to score both in the post and from mid-range, exploiting South Carolina’s defense. The Gamecocks were starting to feel the pressure, and their offense, which had been clicking in the first half, began to stall. Ole Miss’ defense, led by Madison Scott and Harris, became increasingly disruptive, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting South Carolina’s second-chance opportunities.
As the third quarter wore on, the game became a battle of wills. South Carolina managed to get some key buckets, particularly from Cooke, who had a knack for hitting timely shots and keeping the Gamecocks in the game. Boston, despite being double-teamed on nearly every possession, continued to battle inside, showing her trademark toughness. Yet, for every push South Carolina made, Ole Miss responded with resilience.
By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the tension was palpable. South Carolina was desperate to regain control, but Ole Miss wasn’t backing down. With the game tied at 61-61, Ole Miss seized the opportunity to put their stamp on the game. Austin, who had been stellar all night, hit a clutch mid-range jumper that gave the Rebels a two-point lead with just under three minutes to play.
South Carolina fought hard to respond. A key offensive rebound by Boston led to a putback basket, knotting the game at 63-63 with less than two minutes remaining. The Gamecocks were now in their familiar position, trying to close out a tight game with their defense and clutch scoring. However, Ole Miss was determined to finish the job.
In the final minute, with Ole Miss leading by just one point, Jada Williams showed her poise and maturity. Driving to the basket with the shot clock winding down, she drew a foul and calmly sank two free throws, giving the Rebels a three-point cushion with just 20 seconds left. South Carolina had one last opportunity to tie the game, but Cooke’s three-pointer was off the mark, and Ole Miss grabbed the rebound.
With the final buzzer, Ole Miss had done it. They had weathered the storm in one of the most hostile environments in women’s college basketball, and they walked away with a 72-68 victory, a statement win that would reverberate across the SEC and national landscape.
Key Performances and Contributions
- Shakira Austin’s Dominance: Austin was the driving force for Ole Miss throughout the game. She finished with a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds, showing off her skill set on both ends of the floor. Her ability to match up with Aliyah Boston in the post was crucial to the Rebels’ success.
- Jada Williams’ Poise: Williams, who was crucial in breaking down South Carolina’s defense and pushing the pace for Ole Miss, contributed 18 points and dished out 6 assists. Her clutch free throws late in the game showed her confidence in critical moments.
- Madison Scott’s Defense: Scott’s defense on South Carolina’s perimeter players was a key factor in limiting their offensive flow. She also contributed 10 points and was a key rebounding presence for Ole Miss, particularly on the offensive glass.
- Zia Cooke and Aliyah Boston for South Carolina: Despite the loss, South Carolina’s Zia Cooke and Aliyah Boston played well. Cooke finished with 19 points, including some timely buckets, while Boston put up 17 points and 11 rebounds. However, the Gamecocks couldn’t quite match the intensity of Ole Miss down the stretch.
The Significance of the Win
This victory was huge for Ole Miss, not just because it was a road win against a top-ranked opponent, but because it proved that the Rebels have the grit and talent to compete with the best. It was a true team effort, with contributions coming from across the roster, and it showcased the leadership of head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.
For South Carolina, the loss stung. It was a reminder that even the most dominant teams can be vulnerable if they don’t bring their best every game. However, Dawn Staley’s squad has shown an ability to bounce back from adversity before, and they will certainly use this defeat as motivation moving forward.
As Ole Miss looks ahead, this win will surely be a confidence booster as they continue to navigate the tough waters of SEC play. For South Carolina, it will be a wake-up call to
refine their execution and resilience as they gear up for the rest of the season.
In the end, Ole Miss had shown that they were ready to stand toe-to-toe with the best in the conference. With this victory, they’ve firmly placed themselves in the conversation as a team to watch heading into the postseason.
