The Lady Vols are back on the road, and the challenge isn’t getting any easier. After back-to-back wins over ranked SEC opponents, Tennessee heads to Oxford for a top-20 showdown with Ole Miss that could have major implications in the conference race.
**No. 17 Tennessee (14-3, 6-0 SEC) vs.
No. 18 Ole Miss (17-4, 4-2 SEC)**
📍 SJB Pavilion, Oxford, Mississippi
🕓 *Jan. 26, 4 p.m.
ET*
📺 ESPNU
This marks Tennessee’s third straight ranked matchup in SEC play, and so far, they’ve handled the gauntlet with poise. Wins over Alabama and Kentucky have the Lady Vols tied atop the SEC standings with Vanderbilt, and they’re starting to look like a team finding its rhythm at just the right time.
Cotie McMahon: The Engine of Ole Miss
When Cotie McMahon transferred from Ohio State to Ole Miss for her senior season, expectations were high. She’s lived up to every bit of the hype. The 6-foot forward has stepped in as the Rebels’ go-to scorer, averaging 19.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting a strong 48.4% from the field.
McMahon brings versatility to the Ole Miss offense. She’s capable of initiating plays and isn’t shy about pulling up from deep-averaging nearly four 3-point attempts per game.
While she’s only converting at a 27.3% clip from beyond the arc, her willingness to shoot forces defenses to stretch out. She’s also aggressive in drawing contact, getting to the free-throw line over six times per game, though she’s only hitting 65.6% from the stripe.
Tennessee knows what McMahon can do firsthand. In last season’s NCAA Tournament, she scored 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting (including 3-of-4 from deep) when the Lady Vols upset Ohio State to reach the Sweet 16. She’s a matchup problem, and Tennessee will need to keep her in check to stay unbeaten in SEC play.
Tennessee’s Perimeter Game: Heating Up at the Right Time
The Lady Vols have been a bit of a rollercoaster from 3-point range this season, but lately, they’ve found their stroke-especially on the road. In SEC away games, Tennessee is shooting with confidence and efficiency:
- 42.9% on nine made 3s at Auburn
- 37% on 10 made 3s at Mississippi State
- 40% on eight made 3s at Alabama
That kind of shooting will be key against Ole Miss, a team that just gave up 8-for-16 from deep in a lopsided loss to Georgia. But Tennessee can’t afford to fall in love with the outside shot. Ole Miss will likely try to bait them into doing just that, and the Lady Vols will need to stay disciplined.
This is a team that’s at its best when it’s attacking the paint, collapsing the defense, and then kicking out to open shooters. That inside-out balance has been working, and it’s going to be crucial in Oxford.
Janiah Barker’s Status: A Big Question Mark
One of the biggest unknowns heading into this matchup is the status of senior forward Janiah Barker. She exited the Alabama game in the fourth quarter after taking a hit to the face and didn’t suit up against Kentucky. The SEC injury report listed her as out, and while she was present in the arena for the Kentucky game, it’s still unclear whether she’ll be cleared to return against Ole Miss.
If she’s unavailable, Tennessee will be missing a major piece. At 6-foot-4, Barker brings a physical presence in the paint and on the glass that’s hard to replicate. She’s a tone-setter, and her absence would put more pressure on Tennessee’s frontcourt to step up in a tough road environment.
What to Expect in Oxford
This one has all the makings of a grind-it-out SEC battle. Ole Miss is tough at home, and McMahon gives them a dynamic scorer who can create problems for any defense. But Tennessee is riding a wave of momentum, and more importantly, they’re showing they can win in different ways.
The defense has tightened up. The offense is finding rhythm. And the Lady Vols are proving they can handle the mental and physical demands of conference play.
Prediction: Tennessee 70, Ole Miss 65
This is a game where toughness matters, and Tennessee’s got it. With or without Barker, expect the Lady Vols to lean on their improving defense and timely shot-making to escape Oxford with a third straight ranked win. It won’t come easy-but in the SEC, it rarely does.