C.J. Smith
It was all Rebels when the Ole Miss Women’s Basketball team hosted the University of Arkansas on Saturday, March 3. In the last match of the regular season, the Lady Rebels dominated from tipoff, scoring 27 points in the first quarter and eventually winning with a score of 87-43.
Prior to the start of the game, Ole Miss Women’s Basketball honored its five seniors for their contributions to the program. Among them were guard Snudda Collins, guard Marquesha Davis, guard Elauna Eaton, center Rita Igbokwe and guard/forward Madison Scott.
The Lady Rebels came into the contest on a five-game winning streak — tied for the longest win streak of the season — and sitting at third place in the SEC, while the Razorbacks came in near the bottom of the conference, having lost five of their last six games.
This game was never particularly close, as Ole Miss went pedal to the metal for the full 40 minutes of the game.
The Lady Rebels are hitting their stride at just the right time, with the SEC Tournament coming up this week: A tune-up game like this could work wonders for Ole Miss as they look towards postseason play.
Offensive MVP(s): Snudda Collins and Madison Scott
The Rebel offense had a huge day, highlighted by key performances from the senior duo of Collins and Scott. Collins was able to knock down a pair of three-pointers and totaled a team high 18 points, the most that she has scored in an SEC game this season.
Scott also had one of her best games of the season, tallying 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. The Lady Rebels more than doubled Arkansas’ rebounds 58-28, with Scott playing a huge role in that.
Defensive MVP: Rita Igbokwe
Since the Rebels gave up just 43 points, it is hard to pick an MVP. That said, Rita Igbokwe anchored the Rebel defense in this game. The senior center had three blocks and a steal, setting the tone defensively all day.
Room for improvement: bench play
The lack of depth on the Ole Miss bench has been noticeable for most of the season, and today was not much different. Forward Kharyssa Richardson was solid off the bench with seven points and five rebounds, but she was the exception, not the rule.
Besides Richardson, the rest of the bench only scored 12 points among the six players who saw the floor. The Lady Rebels played a fantastic game, but they ought to monitor this as they try to make a run in March.
What’s next: SEC Tournament
With the regular season officially over, it is time to get ready for postseason play. The Lady Rebels will travel to Greenville, S.C., as the No. 3 seed for the 2024 SEC women’s basketball tournament. Official matchups have yet to be determined since teams are still playing.
