LSU was defeated by the Rebels! In a stunning comeback, Ole Miss women’s basketball defeats the No. 7 Tigers in Baton Rouge.
LSU Defeated by the Rebels: Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Stuns No. 7 Tigers in Baton Rouge
In one of the most thrilling and unexpected games of the 2025 college basketball season, the LSU Tigers, ranked No. 7 in the nation, were stunned by the Ole Miss Rebels in Baton Rouge. What seemed like a routine victory for the Tigers quickly turned into a heart-wrenching defeat as the Rebels mounted a remarkable comeback to take down LSU in front of a packed Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
The loss to Ole Miss was not only shocking due to LSU’s high ranking but also because of the way the game unfolded. After leading for most of the game and appearing poised to secure a victory, LSU saw its defense break down in the final minutes, and Ole Miss capitalized on several key opportunities to come away with a dramatic win. The Rebels’ resilience and determination were on full display, as they refused to back down even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
This article will analyze the stunning turnaround, highlight the key moments of the game, and examine what this loss means for LSU moving forward. We will also look at the standout performances from both teams and explore the broader implications of Ole Miss’ win on the SEC women’s basketball landscape.
Setting the Stage: LSU’s Early Dominance
The game began with LSU in control, showcasing the talent and depth that has made them one of the top teams in the country. Head coach Kim Mulkey‘s squad entered the contest with a 22-3 record and was on the hunt for another win in their quest to secure a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. With star players like Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and LaDazhia Williams, the Tigers seemed to have everything in place for a dominant performance.
LSU came out of the gates firing, using their aggressive defense and fast-paced offense to build an early lead. Angel Reese, a preseason All-American, was a force inside, scoring at will and securing rebound after rebound. Her presence on the boards allowed LSU to control possession and dictate the tempo. Meanwhile, Flau’jae Johnson, one of the most dynamic players in women’s college basketball, made several key plays to keep the crowd energized.
By the end of the first half, LSU held a commanding 42-27 lead. The Tigers appeared well on their way to cruising to another victory at home, extending their 16-game win streak at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The offense was clicking, the defense was suffocating, and the Rebels looked outmatched and overwhelmed.
However, what was unfolding as a showcase of LSU’s talent soon became a story of resilience and grit from Ole Miss, who had other plans.
Ole Miss’ Resilient Comeback: A Turning Point
The second half started with LSU still holding a sizable lead, but there were early signs that Ole Miss was not going to go down without a fight. Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin had her team come out with an aggressive mindset. The Rebels increased their defensive pressure, forcing LSU into several uncharacteristic turnovers. The Tigers, who had been executing at a high level in the first half, started to show signs of impatience, and Ole Miss capitalized.
The Rebels’ defense began to stifle LSU’s offense, and their offense found a rhythm of its own. Ole Miss guard Madison Scott became the catalyst for the Rebels’ resurgence. Scott, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, started attacking the rim with force, drawing fouls, and converting tough layups. Her aggressive play ignited her teammates, and soon Ole Miss was on a scoring run, cutting LSU’s lead to single digits.
One of the turning points came with just under six minutes remaining in the game. LSU had built a 10-point lead, but a series of turnovers and missed shots allowed Ole Miss to go on a 10-0 run, tying the game at 67. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center, once filled with exuberance, began to grow anxious as the tension in the building escalated. The crowd, which had been electric just moments before, was now on edge as LSU struggled to regain control of the game.
As the clock ticked down, the Rebels continued to press forward. With the score tied at 71 and under two minutes left, Ole Miss made their move. A crucial three-pointer by Gabbie Green, a senior guard who had been steady all game, put the Rebels ahead 74-71. The shot was a dagger, as it not only gave Ole Miss the lead but also stunned the LSU faithful, who had expected their team to close out the game with ease.
LSU had a chance to respond, but their offense sputtered in the final moments. After a missed shot from Angel Reese, the Rebels secured the rebound and, with free throws from Angel Baker, sealed the victory. The final buzzer sounded, and Ole Miss had completed one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory, defeating LSU 77-73.
Key Performances: Ole Miss’ Unlikely Heroes
The Rebels’ victory was a true team effort, but several individual performances stood out. Madison Scott, who had struggled in the first half, finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Her aggressive second-half play was a major factor in Ole Miss’ comeback. She was able to get to the basket and either score or draw fouls, keeping Ole Miss within striking distance when it seemed like LSU might pull away.
Gabbie Green’s clutch three-pointer was a highlight of the game. Green’s confidence in the moment was evident as she drained the shot with the game on the line. She finished with 14 points and played exceptional defense throughout the game, helping to limit LSU’s offensive flow in the second half.
Angel Baker, who had been solid throughout the game, was a steadying presence in the final minutes. Her free throws in the closing seconds iced the game, and she finished with 13 points and 5 assists. Her leadership and composure in crunch time were critical for Ole Miss, allowing them to stay calm and finish the game strong.
LSU, on the other hand, had standout performances from Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson. Reese had a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, but she struggled to maintain her dominance in the second half as Ole Miss increased its defensive pressure. Johnson also had a solid game, finishing with 15 points and 5 rebounds, but she too had difficulty finding her rhythm after halftime.
The real difference, however, came in the late stages of the game, where LSU was unable to execute offensively or defensively. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey will undoubtedly be concerned with the team’s inability to close out the game, as the Tigers looked disjointed in the final minutes. With so many offensive weapons on the floor, LSU could not find an answer when Ole Miss applied pressure, allowing the Rebels to surge past them.
What the Loss Means for LSU
For LSU, this loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially considering the team’s position as a top-10 program. The Tigers had been on an impressive streak and had the opportunity to extend their dominance in the SEC with a victory over Ole Miss. However, this defeat serves as a reminder that no team is invincible, and every game in the SEC presents a challenge, even against opponents that may not have the same national profile.
There are several key takeaways for LSU moving forward:
- Closing Out Games: One of the biggest lessons from this game is LSU’s need to execute in the final minutes. The Tigers showed they could dominate early on, but when it came time to finish, they faltered. Whether it’s offensive execution, defensive stops, or making clutch free throws, LSU will need to tighten up in close games.
- Offensive Adjustments: LSU’s offense looked unstoppable in the first half, but Ole Miss’ defensive pressure in the second half exposed weaknesses. The Tigers need to find ways to maintain their offensive rhythm when facing teams that can disrupt their flow.
- Leadership in Crunch Time: Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson are both exceptional players, but neither was able to take over the game in the final moments. LSU will need their stars to rise to the occasion in close games if they are going to achieve their goals this season.
- Mental Toughness: The loss is also a test of LSU’s mental resilience. Being the No. 7 team in the country means that teams are going to give their best effort, and LSU must be prepared for the ups and downs of a long season. The Tigers will need to bounce back quickly from this defeat and refocus for the remainder of the season.
Looking Ahead: The SEC and NCAA Tournament Implications
For Ole Miss, this win is a massive confidence booster and gives them a signature victory on their resume. While the Rebels may not be in the same tier as LSU in terms of overall talent, this win shows their potential and proves that they can compete with the best teams in the SEC. Ole Miss will look to build on this momentum as they aim for a strong finish to the regular season and a potential NCAA Tournament berth.
For LSU, the loss is a setback, but it is far from the end of their season. The Tigers will have to shake off the disappointment and regroup quickly, as they continue to fight for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. There is still plenty of basketball left to be played, and LSU has the talent and experience to bounce back from this defeat and finish strong.
