No. 19 Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Faces No. 18 Minnesota in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

MINNEAPOLIS — The Ole Miss women’s basketball team is set to face Minnesota in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 on Sunday at Williams Arena. The fifth-seeded Rebels (24-11) will look to reach the Elite Eight for the first time in four years, taking on the fourth-seeded Gophers (23-8) at 1 p.m. CT on ESPN, according to university sources.

Ole Miss, making its 22nd NCAA Tournament appearance, has reached the Sweet 16 five times and has advanced to the Elite Eight five times, according to team records. The Rebels are seeking their third Sweet 16 berth in four seasons and have been one of the few SEC teams to maintain consistent postseason success. Ole Miss is seeded fifth for the second straight year, a position it last held in 1994.

The teams are facing off for the first time ever. Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s squad will aim to continue its tournament run after defeating Gonzaga 81-66 in the first round. The Rebels built a 33-point lead at one stage and set a program record with nine blocks in the game.

Minnesota, guided by third-year coach Dawn Plitzuweit, has reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. The Gophers recently finished their regular season with a 23-8 record and boast a balanced roster led by sophomore guard Tori McKinney, who averages 13 points per game. Minnesota’s defense is among the best in the Big Ten, allowing just 57.9 points per game.

Ole Miss and Minnesota have played only one common opponent this season, with the Rebels defeating Wisconsin and Michigan, while the Gophers have yet to face the Badgers or Wolverines. The Rebels hold a 20-17 record against Big Ten teams overall. The winner will advance to the Elite Eight for a matchup against either Louisville or Oklahoma State.

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