Oxford Ready for a Hoops Showdown as Ole Miss Welcomes Mississippi Valley State
Hey there, basketball fans! If you’re in Oxford this Saturday, December 21, clear your schedule because the Ole Miss women’s basketball team is set to host the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The game kicks off at 12 p.m. CT and will be streamed live on SEC Network+. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some thrilling hoops action?
The Rebels’ Winning Streak
The No. 25 ranked Lady Rebels are out for victory as they head into this contest with a remarkable 14-game winning streak against the Devilettes! With a solid overall record of 7-3 so far this season, Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin is determined to keep the momentum going. Fun fact: Under Coach McPhee-McCuin’s leadership, Ole Miss has a phenomenal 20-2 record against Mississippi Valley State, including an unbroken home streak of 14-0 at The Pavilion.
A Glimpse at the Rivalry History
Can you believe this is the 23rd matchup between Ole Miss and MVSU? The rivalry dates back to 1977 when the Rebels earned an 86-67 victory in the first game. Over the years, there have been some nail-biting finishes and astounding performances, especially from Rebel legends like Carol Ross, who once had a record 8 steals in a single game.
In recent seasons, Ole Miss has recorded impressive victories against Mississippi Valley State. Just to show off their skills, in the 2014-15 season, the Rebels won by a whopping 53 points, their largest margin ever against the Devilettes! Last season, Ole Miss cruised to a solid 84-56 win, with six Rebels scoring in double figures. That’s what we like to see!
Meet the Devilettes
On the other side, the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes are under the guidance of Head Coach Kimberly Anderson, who’s entering her third year with the team. This season, the Devilettes are looking to turn things around after a rocky start, currently sitting at 1-8.
Some standout players to keep an eye on include D’yanna Maxey, who leads the team with 86 total points and averages about 8.6 points per game. She’s been a consistent contributor and is expected to make some noise against Ole Miss. Also, Sh’Diamond McKnight has been crucial for MVSU, leading in steals, proving she’s someone to watch on defense.
Rebels vs. SWAC
Historically, the Rebels have dominated teams from the SWAC with an impressive 94-7 record against its members. Last season, Ole Miss brushed aside every SWAC opponent they faced. So, will this season continue with the same trend? Fans are eager to find out!
Last Game Recap
Ole Miss is rolling high after a 94-39 victory against South Alabama last weekend, their highest score yet this season. Not only did they score big, but they also displayed a wall of defense that kept the Jaguars below 40 points. Talk about a solid performance! Sira Thienou, the talented freshman from Mali, had a career game with a phenomenal 23 points and six rebounds.
Fresh Talent Shining Bright
Speaking of Thienou, she’s been grabbing attention all season, earning the SEC Freshman of the Week honors twice already! It’s exciting to see young talent making such a splash in their debut season. There’s buzz around town about what this young star will accomplish next.
Get Ready, Ole Miss Fans!
So, are you ready for some serious basketball action this weekend? The Ole Miss women’s basketball team is hoping fans will fill the stands and bring home that holiday cheer. Mark your calendars, rally your friends, and let’s support our Rebels as they aim to extend their winning streak against the Devilettes!
