Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Defeats Auburn for Best Start Under McPhee-McCuin

BAKER, Ala. — The Ole Miss women’s basketball team secured its best start under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, beating Auburn 71-45 Monday night at Legacy Arena in Birmingham.

The Rebels (19-4, 6-2 SEC) held Auburn (13-10, 2-7 SEC) to their lowest points allowed this season against an SEC opponent. Ole Miss also limited the Tigers to one made three-pointer and out-rebounded them by 28.

This victory marks the best start for Ole Miss in McPhee-McCuin’s tenure after 23 games. The team previously tied its best record through this point in 2021-22 and 2022-23, when it also started 18-4 but finished with losses in those seasons.

Christeen Iwuala contributed her ninth double-double of the season, falling just short of her season-high 10. Cotie McMahon led all scorers with 20 points, adding seven rebounds and two steals. Sira Thienou scored 14 points with eight rebounds, while Debreasha Powe added eight points.

The game was slow early, but Ole Miss took control with an 18-point run in the first quarter. McMahon scored 10 points in that period, helping the Rebels build a 22-10 lead after the first quarter. Ole Miss maintained its momentum through the second and third quarters, holding Auburn to just 19 points in the first half.

Defensively, Ole Miss excelled. The team outrebounded Auburn 26-10 in the first half and forced turnovers that contributed to their lead. Latasha Lattimore made an impact with a mid-range shot and a key block late in the third quarter.

Ole Miss will stay in Alabama for its next game, facing Alabama at 8 p.m. Thursday on SEC Network. Tickets for the remaining home games are on sale, and fans can follow the team on social media for updates.

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