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Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Faces UCLA in Sweet 16 Showdown

ByCoach

The Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball team is making waves in the NCAA Tournament. They advanced to the Sweet 16 after a thrilling victory over the Baylor Bears. Under the guidance of head coach Yolette McPhee-McCuin, the Rebels are riding high on a wave of momentum. They are set to face the UCLA Bruins.

Key performances from players like Sira Thienou and Madison Scott have been instrumental in the team’s success. The Rebels are now aiming for a spot in the Final Four. This blog post delves into the details of their journey, the upcoming matchups, and what fans can expect as Ole Miss continues its quest for a national championship.

Rebels Triumph Over Baylor Bears

The Ole Miss Rebels secured their place in the Sweet 16 with a hard-fought victory over the Baylor Bears in Waco, Texas. The game was a showcase of skill and determination, with standout performances from Sira Thienou and Madison Scott.

Thienou, a freshman, scored 16 points and recorded her 77th steal of the season. This broke the tie with Armintie Price for the second-most steals by an Ole Miss freshman in program history. Scott, a graduate player, added 14 points and provided a steady presence on the court.

Key Stats and Highlights

  • Sira Thienou: 16 points, 77th steal of the season
  • Madison Scott: 14 points
  • Minutes Played: Both players spent over 30 minutes on the court

The dynamic duo set the pace early in the game, helping the Rebels establish a lead that they maintained throughout the contest. Their contributions were crucial in Ole Miss’s ability to fend off a resilient Baylor team and secure the win.

Coach McPhee-McCuin’s Vision and Leadership

Head coach Yolette McPhee-McCuin has been a driving force behind the Rebels’ success this season. Her strategic acumen and ability to motivate her players have been evident throughout the tournament.

McPhee-McCuin expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance and emphasized the importance of continuing their journey in the NCAA Tournament.

Coach’s Perspective

*It’s satisfaction because I really enjoyed coaching this team. This team has had a goal that they want to go to the Final Four. We don’t get to stop tonight. We will be one of the remaining 16 teams that will be competing,* McPhee-McCuin said. *You don’t have a chance if you’re out, so as far as I’m concerned we will be one of the 16 teams that has a chance to win a national championship. So it’s satisfaction in that regard.*

McPhee-McCuin’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering a winning culture within the team. Her focus on both the present and the future highlights her commitment to building a sustainable program that can compete at the highest levels of college basketball.

Upcoming Sweet 16 Matchup: Ole Miss vs. UCLA

As the Rebels prepare to face the UCLA Bruins in the Sweet 16, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The game is set for Friday night with a tip-off at 10 p.m. ET, and it promises to be a thrilling contest between two talented teams.

What to Expect

  • Date and Time: March 28, 10 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: ESPN
  • Key Players to Watch: Sira Thienou, Madison Scott

The Bruins, a formidable opponent, will challenge the Rebels with their depth and experience. However, Ole Miss has shown that they can rise to the occasion and compete with the best. Fans can expect a high-energy game with plenty of action on both ends of the court.

Other Sweet 16 Matchups

In addition to the Ole Miss vs. UCLA game, several other intriguing matchups are set to take place in the Sweet 16. These games will feature some of the top teams in the country, all vying for a spot in the Elite Eight.

Region 1 — Spokane

  • No. 3 LSU vs. No. 2 NC State: March 28 — 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
  • No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 5 Ole Miss: March 28 — 10 p.m. ET – ESPN

Region 2 – Birmingham

  • No. 2 Duke vs. No. 3 North Carolina: March 28 – 2:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
  • No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 4 Maryland: March 28 — 5 p.m. ET – ESPN

Region 3 – Birmingham

  • No. 2 TCU vs. No. 3 Notre Dame: March 29 — 1 p.m. ET – ABC
  • No. 1 Texas vs. No. 5 Tennessee: March 29 — 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC

Region 4 – Spokane

  • No. 3 Oklahoma vs. No. 2 UConn: March 29 — 5:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
  • No. 1 USC vs. No. 5 Kansas State: March 29– 8 p.m. ET – ESPN

Looking Ahead: Ole Miss’s Path to the Final Four

As the Rebels continue their journey in the NCAA Tournament, the focus remains on executing their game plan and staying true to their identity as a team.

With the leadership of Coach McPhee-McCuin and the standout performances from players like Thienou and Scott, Ole Miss has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.

Keys to Success

  • Strong Defense: Maintaining their defensive intensity will be crucial in shutting down the Bruins’ offensive threats.
  • Balanced Scoring: Contributions from multiple players will be essential to keep the pressure on UCLA.
  • Composure Under Pressure: Staying calm and focused in high-stakes moments will be key to securing a victory.

Conclusion

The Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball team has captured the hearts of fans with their inspiring performances in the NCAA Tournament. As they prepare to take on the UCLA Bruins in the Sweet 16, the excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high.

With the leadership of Coach McPhee-McCuin and the standout play of Thienou and Scott, the Rebels have a real shot at advancing to the Final Four and competing for a national championship. Don’t miss the action on Friday night as Ole Miss continues its quest for glory.

For more details on the Sweet 16 schedule and matchups, visit Sports Illustrated.

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