In a dramatic turn of events at the SJB Pavilion, No. 17 Ole Miss saw a potential statement win slip through their fingers, falling 78-70 to No.
7 LSU. The Rebels had the game under control, leading by as many as 13 in the second half and maintaining a nine-point edge into the fourth quarter.
However, a complete offensive freeze in the final period, where they missed all 17 field-goal attempts, allowed LSU to close with a 19-1 run over the last six minutes.
Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin summed it up succinctly: "This is one that really would have helped us. But LSU won the game. We're not making excuses."
The loss complicates Ole Miss's path toward hosting NCAA Tournament games, especially with a looming clash against No. 3 South Carolina.
Ranked No. 17 in the NET, the Rebels were poised to bolster their résumé with a win over LSU, who sat at No. 5.
The Rebels set the tone early, creating an electric atmosphere. Despite trailing 26-21 after the first quarter, they tightened up defensively in the second, holding LSU to just 11 points and forcing 11 turnovers in the first half. Ole Miss shot a solid 50% from the field and went 4 of 6 from three-point range, leading 43-37 at halftime.
The buzz was palpable, with students lining up early and a reserved section for Pete Golding and his football team. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith was also courtside, adding to the excitement.
Cotie McMahon was a force, scoring 18 of her team-high 25 points in the first half. Latasha Lattimore contributed 10 points and four rebounds, anchoring a defense that stifled LSU's transition game.
Ole Miss extended its lead in the third quarter, thanks to Christeen Iwuala's efforts on both ends and timely shooting from Tianna Thompson, who nailed two crucial three-pointers. The Rebels outscored LSU 20-17 in the period, taking a 63-54 lead into the fourth.
But then, the offense vanished. The Rebels couldn't find the basket in the final 10 minutes, scoring just seven points from the free-throw line. LSU seized the opportunity, pouring in 24 points in the quarter, capitalizing on fast breaks and frequent trips to the line.
Coach McPhee-McCuin noted the fatigue factor after a grueling stretch of games-three in five days-while LSU had more rest. Winter Storm Fern had also caused scheduling disruptions. McPhee-McCuin attempted to slow the tempo in the fourth due to her team's weary legs.
"We had a lot of shots around the rim that we usually don't miss," McMahon reflected. "Even the putbacks, we couldn't finish them."
LSU's MiLaysia Fulwiley led the charge with 26 points and seven rebounds, dominating the transition game. Flau'jae Johnson added 18 points and five rebounds, including a pivotal layup that gave LSU the lead for good with just under two minutes remaining.
Iwuala finished with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Lattimore added 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
"I'm confident this week is going to prepare us for something even greater in March," McPhee-McCuin said, looking ahead to the NCAA Tournament.
The loss halted Ole Miss's momentum after their upset of then-No. 21 Tennessee. As they head to Columbia, the Rebels are searching for a response and another chance to prove they belong on the NCAA Tournament's hosting line.