Ole Miss women’s basketball picked up its second top-10 win of the season despite losing a big lead.
The No. 17 Rebels (18-4, 5-2 SEC) led by 19 points at halftime against No. 6 Vanderbilt (20-2, 6-2) but progressively saw their lead dwindle throughout the second half.
Vanderbilt took the lead but Ole Miss shot 8-for-13 from the field in the fourth to win 83-75 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, on Jan. 30.
The game was moved to Birmingham because of the winter storm that has closed Ole Miss’ campus through Feb. 8.
Ole Miss shot 51.4% from the field in the first half to build a comfortable lead, while Vanderbilt shot just 35.7%. However, the Rebels were outscored by 10 points in the third quarter and trailed at the 5:34 mark in the fourth quarter.
Cotie McMahon powered the Rebels’ offense with 27 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field while going 11-for-12 at the free throw line. With 18 points and 14 rebounds, Christeen Iwuala finished with her eighth double-double of the season.
Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes finished with 29 points, and Aubrey Galvan added 18.
The Rebels will return to Legacy Arena for their next game against Auburn on Feb. 2 (6 p.m. CT, SEC Network+).
Ole Miss holds onto its lead going into the fourth quarter, but it has diminished. The Rebels were outscored 26-16 in the third quarter and turned the ball over six times. They were 3-for-8 from the field in the third but are shooting 48.9% from the field on the day.
Ole Miss starting guard Sira Thienou is up to four fouls with 4:59 to play in the third quarter. She fouled Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes on a fast break. She has 3 points and three turnovers in 14 minutes. Debreasha Powe is also nearing foul trouble with three.
Vanderbilt has gained some ground on Ole Miss to start the third quarter. The Commodores trail 46-36 at the 6:33 mark after being down 19 at halftime. They are currently on a 7-0 run and have forced three Ole Miss turnovers in the quarter.
Ole Miss’ defense has put them in a favorable position entering halftime. Vanderbilt did not score a field goal in the final 5:45 of the second quarter and made one of its last 7 shots entering the break. Conversely, the Rebels are shooting 51.4% from the field.
Ole Miss forward Cotie McMahon is already up to 11 points at the 4:58 mark in the second quarter. She is 5-for-9 from the field. Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes is also in double figures with 13 points on 6-for-12 shooting. Ole Miss leads Vanderbilt 31-23.
Ole Miss’ shooting success from its game against Missouri has carried over in the first quarter. The Rebels are 10-for-18 from the field and 2-for-2 from the 3-point line. Seven of their points have come off Vanderbilt turnovers.
Vanderbilt 83, Ole Miss 80: Vanderbilt relies heavily on Mikayla Blakes, but despite their strong overall defense, the Rebels may not be suited to shut her down and limit the Commodores’ offensive options.
Next five games
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.
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