Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Ends 2025-26 Season After Narrow NCAA Tournament Loss

MINNEAPOLIS — Ole Miss women’s basketball saw its season come to an end Sunday after a 65-63 loss to Minnesota in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32. The Rebels finished with a 24-12 record, marking their fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

The game was decided in the final seconds when Minnesota’s Amaya Battle scored a jumper from the elbow as time expired. Ole Miss trailed for most of the game but mounted a late comeback before falling short.

Cotie McMahon, one of the team’s standout players, scored 15 points and surpassed 700 points for the season, reaching 703. Her season high was historic for the program, making her the first Rebel to rank in the top four for single-season scoring since 1985-86. Sira Thienou led Ole Miss with 18 points, adding five rebounds and two assists.

Minnesota’s Mara Braun and Battle scored 17 and 14 points, respectively, with Battle’s late basket sealing the victory. Ole Miss rallied in the second half to take a brief lead but ultimately couldn’t hold off the Gophers’ final push.

The Rebels’ season included notable achievements, such as their 15th NCAA Tournament appearance and their sixth in the second round. They also set season records for points and three-pointers made. Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin and players expressed pride in their efforts despite the season’s ending.

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