Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Claims SEC Tournament Win Over Mississippi State

The Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball team made history as they triumphed over Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament, claiming a thrilling victory that has fans buzzing across the state of Mississippi and beyond. The victory capped off a hard-fought tournament for Ole Miss and marked a significant milestone in the team’s journey. With an impressive performance, Ole Miss secured the SEC Tournament win in front of an enthusiastic crowd, reinforcing their place among the elite teams in college basketball.

This victory, which came after a series of grueling games, was a testament to the hard work, determination, and resilience of the Ole Miss Rebels. Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, affectionately known as “Coach Yo,” has been a key figure in building the team into a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. The win over Mississippi State not only gave Ole Miss their first SEC Tournament title in years, but it also provided a big boost to their chances of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Setting the Stage for a Showdown

Before the championship game, both Ole Miss and Mississippi State had already made impressive runs through the SEC Tournament, and the rivalry between the two teams had been heating up. The two teams had faced off multiple times in the regular season, and each meeting was a battle for supremacy in the Southeastern Conference. Mississippi State, under head coach Nikki McCray-Penson, was no slouch, and the Bulldogs were poised to bring their best in the championship game. However, Ole Miss had been on a roll, fueled by an unrelenting defense, stellar individual performances, and a well-balanced team effort.

Mississippi State had earned a place in the final after defeating some of the SEC’s top teams, but it was Ole Miss’ grit and team-oriented play that set them apart. The Rebels entered the championship game with a sense of purpose, knowing that this was a moment they had worked for all season long. There was history to be made, and they were not about to let it slip through their fingers.

The Early Moments: A Back-and-Forth Battle

The game began with both teams firing on all cylinders. Mississippi State’s defense was intense from the start, looking to stifle Ole Miss’ high-powered offense. The Bulldogs managed to force a couple of early turnovers, but Ole Miss responded with their own defensive pressure. The Rebels were determined to show that they could compete with the best, and their defense would be a key factor in the game.

Ole Miss’ offense was paced by standout guard, and SEC Player of the Year, Angel Baker. Baker was a constant threat on both ends of the floor, whether it was scoring, creating for her teammates, or locking down her assignments defensively. Her ability to drive the lane and finish through contact was on full display, and she played a significant role in keeping Ole Miss in the game during the early minutes.

Despite Mississippi State’s aggressive defense, Ole Miss’ versatility was evident. The Rebels were able to spread the floor with their sharp shooters, and when Mississippi State collapsed in the paint, they found open looks from the outside. Ole Miss was hitting timely three-pointers, and the Rebels’ shooting had given them an early lead.

However, Mississippi State’s resilience was never in question. The Bulldogs fought back with their own high-energy offense, capitalizing on fast breaks and looking to pound the ball inside to their dominant post players. The first half was filled with lead changes, with both teams showcasing their strengths. Mississippi State’s Rickea Jackson was particularly impressive in the first half, using her size and scoring ability to keep her team within striking distance.

Second Half Surge: Ole Miss Takes Control

As the second half began, it became clear that Ole Miss was determined to make a statement. The Rebels’ defense stepped up another notch, as they began to disrupt Mississippi State’s offensive flow. The Bulldogs struggled to get into a rhythm, with Ole Miss’ defensive pressure forcing contested shots and turnovers. This shift in momentum allowed Ole Miss to extend their lead.

One of the key moments of the game came midway through the second half. Ole Miss made a series of quick steals and fast-break points, pushing their lead to double digits. Mississippi State tried to rally, but Ole Miss’ defensive rotations were impeccable. Every time Mississippi State seemed to gain momentum, Ole Miss had an answer, whether it was a timely shot or a big defensive stop. The combination of defense and execution on offense allowed Ole Miss to control the pace of the game.

Angel Baker continued to shine, scoring at will while also getting her teammates involved. She demonstrated her all-around game, picking up assists and grabbing key rebounds. However, the Rebels’ victory wasn’t just about one player. The team’s depth was critical in the second half, as players like Madinah Muhammad, who had a strong performance on both ends, and Tia Faleru contributed vital minutes off the bench.

Ole Miss’ lead continued to grow, with the team putting on an offensive clinic. Mississippi State’s defense, which had been so formidable earlier in the game, began to show signs of fatigue as the pace picked up. The Rebels took advantage, finding open lanes to the basket and hitting key jump shots to increase their lead. The scoreline continued to reflect Ole Miss’ dominance, and with just minutes remaining, it became clear that the Rebels were on their way to a historic SEC Tournament title.

A Historic Win for Ole Miss

The final buzzer sounded, and the Ole Miss Rebels had done it. The 2025 SEC Tournament Championship was theirs, and the celebration erupted in joyous cheers as players, coaches, and fans alike reveled in the achievement. Ole Miss had overcome a tough Mississippi State team, but their resilience, teamwork, and superb execution ultimately prevailed.

As the players took to the court for their victory lap, they were joined by their passionate fans who had made the trip to watch the championship game. It was clear that this win meant much more than just a title; it symbolized the growth and transformation of the Ole Miss women’s basketball program. The Rebels had not only earned their place at the top of the SEC but had also solidified themselves as legitimate contenders in the national conversation.

The team’s success under Coach Yo was a testament to the dedication and hard work that had gone into building this program. Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s leadership had been pivotal in guiding the Rebels to this moment, and her impact on the program was immeasurable. McPhee-McCuin has been a champion for her players, and it was clear that her vision for the team had come to fruition.

Looking Ahead: The NCAA Tournament

With the SEC Tournament Championship secured, Ole Miss now turns their attention to the NCAA Tournament. The Rebels have earned a high seed and are poised to make a deep run. The team has the tools to be successful on the national stage, with a combination of tough defense, high basketball IQ, and offensive firepower. Their success in the SEC Tournament will give them confidence heading into March Madness, and they will be a team that no one wants to face.

As for Mississippi State, the Bulldogs fought valiantly, and though they fell short in the final, they showed that they are still one of the premier teams in the SEC. With a strong foundation, Mississippi State will undoubtedly look to come back even stronger next season.

For Ole Miss, though, the moment is theirs. The SEC Tournament win over Mississippi State will forever be remembered as a historic victory, one that propelled the Rebels into the upper echelon of women’s college basketball. With Coach Yo at the helm and a talented roster leading the way, Ole Miss is primed for a bright future.