The University of Mississippi Athletics
Wednesday, December 17
Oxford, Miss.
4 PM
Ole Miss
vs
Mississippi Valley State
Women’s Basketball Faces Mississippi Valley State at SJB Pavilion
12/16/2025 | Women's Basketball
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss women's basketball is set to host Mississippi Valley State on Wednesday, December 17, for its final matchup of a three-game homestand. Tipoff at the SJB Pavilion will be at 4 p.m. CT, streaming on SEC Network+.
TEAM FACTS
No. 14/16 Ole Miss Rebels (10-1, 0-0 SEC)
Head Coach: Yolett McPhee-McCuin • 8th Season at Ole Miss (135-96) • 13th Season in Career (229-159)
Mississippi Valley State Devilettes (1-8, 0-0 SWAC)
Head Coach: Jason James • 1st Season at MVSU (1-8) • 4th Season in Career (48-50)
ON THE AIR
Television: SEC Network+
Play-by-Play: Hayden King
Color: Lindsay King
Reporter: Annie Strong
OLE MISS RADIO
Radio: Ole Miss Radio Network
Play-by-Play: Graham Doty
SERIES HISTORY
Wednesday marks the 24th all-time matchup between Ole Miss and Mississippi Valley State. The Rebels hold a commanding lead in the series with a 21-2 overall record and are on a 15-game win streak. MVSU last claimed victory over Ole Miss in 1981. Ole Miss has never lost to MVSU in Oxford, holding a 15-0 record. The previous five victories have come under coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.
The series dates to 1977, when Ole Miss claimed an 86-67 victory. Carol Ross set a then-school record for most steals in a single game with eight. Since then, the Rebels' have had several impressive games against the Devilettes.
The Rebels pulled together a trio of its most impressive victories against the Devilettes in three consecutive seasons, starting in 2014-15. Ole Miss bested MVSU 91-38, which its 53-point victory being the widest margin in series history. The following year, the Rebels dropped 97 points against the Devilettes, which was the highest scoring output for Ole Miss in the series and tied for the second-highest point total in a game that season. Ole Miss then held MVSU to only 30 points in 2016, which was a then program record for fewest points allowed in a single game in program history.
Ole Miss previously faced MVSU last season, with the Rebels claiming victory, 78-44. All five Rebel starters reached double-digit scoring, including Madison Scott, who recorded a double-double with 10 extra rebounds. Sira Thienou was Ole Miss' top scorer of the day, recording 18 points and seven rebounds. The Rebels outrebounded the Devilettes, 46-25, a digit Ole Miss will look to duplicate in Wednesday's match.
In total, Ole Miss has scored 90 or more points seven times against MVSU.
SCOUTING THE DEVILETTES
Jason James is in his first full season as Mississippi Valley State's head coach, after serving an interim role for the majority of last season. As MVSU's interim head coach, James led the Devilettes to six conference wins, which is more wins than the previous two seasons combined. He also guided them to the SWAC Tournament for the first time since 2018-19 and their first conference tournament victory since 2012.
The Devilettes are off to a slow start in the 2025-26 campaign, entering Wednesday's competition with a 1-8 record and on a five-game losing streak. MVSU's lone victory thus far has come against Lipscomb in a tight 72-68 battle at home in November. However, that is where the highlights cease. MVSU has faced three Power Four teams, two of which from the SEC (Auburn and Mississippi State). The Devilettes have allowed more than 100 points against each of them, including a 101-point performance from AAC opponent Tulsa. Oklahoma State nearly beat MVSU by 100 points, scoring almost at will, with a 133-46 demolition earlier this month.
Graduate forward Ariel Jefferson is MVSU's top scorer and rebounder, averaging 9.4 points and 6.6 boards per game. She recorded a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds in MVSU's win over Lipscomb. Behind her is Kylah McCullers and Jaeda Murphy, averaging 8.7 and 7.8 points per game, respectively. Murphy is also MVSU's top passer, with 40 assists to her name already this season. On the defensive end of the court, Nairobi Lewis is one of the SWAC's best post defenders, averaging 1.1 blocks per game. She ranks second in the conference in that average, behind Florida A&M's Breazia Robinson.
GAMES AGAINST THE SWAC
Ole Miss has historically dominated SWAC opponents, holding a 99-7 combined record against all members of the conference. The Rebels went 5-0 against SWAC opponents last season, with two of the victories (against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alabama State) setting program records for fewest points allowed. Ole Miss has won the last 21 matchups against SWAC opponents, with McPhee-McCuin holding a perfect 20-0 record. The Rebels are already 2-0 against SWAC opponents this season, with victories against Alabama A&M and Southern in back-to-back outings.
10-1
Kicking off the season 10-1, it marks the second time under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin the Rebels have reached 10 wins in a season after only 11 games. Last time Ole Miss did so, McPhee-McCuin led the Rebels to a 13-1 start during the 2021-22 season. Overall, it's only the third time in the 21st century that the Rebels have started 10-1 or better in the season's first 11 games.
THE IWUALA IMPACT
Christeen Iwuala has established herself as one of the top frontcourt players in the SEC throughout the nonconference season. She has recorded a double-double in four outings this year, after previously never earning the feat in any of her three seasons of collegiate basketball prior. She's the first Rebel since Madison Scott in 2022-23 to have that many double-doubles in the first eleven games of the season.
Additionally, Iwuala has grabbed the most rebounds by a Rebel in eight games this year, leading Ole Miss in the category, while also leading the Rebels in scoring four times. She is following the pattern that Rebel transfers under Coach Yo tend to blossom in their second year in Oxford, joining the likes of Marquesha Davis, Angel Baker and Shakira Austin.
SHE'S THE mcMAHON
Cotie McMahon has provided a spark to the Ole Miss offense in her first season in Oxford, becoming the first Rebel since Shandricka Sessom in 2015-16 to have double-digit points in the first eleven games of the season. She is also the first Rebel since Shakira Austin in 2020-21 to have five games with over 20 points to commence the year.
THREE-HEADED MONSTER
The Rebels were unstoppable off the glass against Wofford, nearly doubling the Terriers rebound total, 53 to 27. This, in large part came from a three-headed monster in Latasha Lattimore (11), Cotie McMahon (11), and Sira Thienou (12), who each reached double-digit rebounds for the day. It's the first time since Nov. 17, 2009, that three Rebels had more than 10 rebounds in a single game.
DICTATE & DISRUPT
Ole Miss' 59-point victory againt South Carolina State is tied for the seventh-widest margin of victory in program history, and its largest win this season. Additionally, 32 points by the Bulldogs is tied for the sixth-fewest points allowed in Ole Miss women's basketball history.
Defense and clean play headlined Ole Miss' dominant victory over SC State on Dec. 14, 2025. The Rebels didn't allow more than 10 points from the Bulldogs in three of the four quarters in the game, including a season-low four in the fourth quarter, all while forcing several extended streaks of scoreless action.
Season and single game tickets for the 2025-26 campaign are on sale now. Click here to secure yours today or visit OleMissTix.com.
Follow the Rebels on X at @OleMissWBB, Facebook at Ole Miss WBB and on Instagram at Ole MissWBB. You can also follow head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin on X at @YolettMcCuin.
TEAM FACTS
No. 14/16 Ole Miss Rebels (10-1, 0-0 SEC)
Head Coach: Yolett McPhee-McCuin • 8th Season at Ole Miss (135-96) • 13th Season in Career (229-159)
Mississippi Valley State Devilettes (1-8, 0-0 SWAC)
Head Coach: Jason James • 1st Season at MVSU (1-8) • 4th Season in Career (48-50)
ON THE AIR
Television: SEC Network+
Play-by-Play: Hayden King
Color: Lindsay King
Reporter: Annie Strong
OLE MISS RADIO
Radio: Ole Miss Radio Network
Play-by-Play: Graham Doty
SERIES HISTORY
Wednesday marks the 24th all-time matchup between Ole Miss and Mississippi Valley State. The Rebels hold a commanding lead in the series with a 21-2 overall record and are on a 15-game win streak. MVSU last claimed victory over Ole Miss in 1981. Ole Miss has never lost to MVSU in Oxford, holding a 15-0 record. The previous five victories have come under coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.
The series dates to 1977, when Ole Miss claimed an 86-67 victory. Carol Ross set a then-school record for most steals in a single game with eight. Since then, the Rebels' have had several impressive games against the Devilettes.
The Rebels pulled together a trio of its most impressive victories against the Devilettes in three consecutive seasons, starting in 2014-15. Ole Miss bested MVSU 91-38, which its 53-point victory being the widest margin in series history. The following year, the Rebels dropped 97 points against the Devilettes, which was the highest scoring output for Ole Miss in the series and tied for the second-highest point total in a game that season. Ole Miss then held MVSU to only 30 points in 2016, which was a then program record for fewest points allowed in a single game in program history.
Ole Miss previously faced MVSU last season, with the Rebels claiming victory, 78-44. All five Rebel starters reached double-digit scoring, including Madison Scott, who recorded a double-double with 10 extra rebounds. Sira Thienou was Ole Miss' top scorer of the day, recording 18 points and seven rebounds. The Rebels outrebounded the Devilettes, 46-25, a digit Ole Miss will look to duplicate in Wednesday's match.
In total, Ole Miss has scored 90 or more points seven times against MVSU.
SCOUTING THE DEVILETTES
Jason James is in his first full season as Mississippi Valley State's head coach, after serving an interim role for the majority of last season. As MVSU's interim head coach, James led the Devilettes to six conference wins, which is more wins than the previous two seasons combined. He also guided them to the SWAC Tournament for the first time since 2018-19 and their first conference tournament victory since 2012.
The Devilettes are off to a slow start in the 2025-26 campaign, entering Wednesday's competition with a 1-8 record and on a five-game losing streak. MVSU's lone victory thus far has come against Lipscomb in a tight 72-68 battle at home in November. However, that is where the highlights cease. MVSU has faced three Power Four teams, two of which from the SEC (Auburn and Mississippi State). The Devilettes have allowed more than 100 points against each of them, including a 101-point performance from AAC opponent Tulsa. Oklahoma State nearly beat MVSU by 100 points, scoring almost at will, with a 133-46 demolition earlier this month.
Graduate forward Ariel Jefferson is MVSU's top scorer and rebounder, averaging 9.4 points and 6.6 boards per game. She recorded a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds in MVSU's win over Lipscomb. Behind her is Kylah McCullers and Jaeda Murphy, averaging 8.7 and 7.8 points per game, respectively. Murphy is also MVSU's top passer, with 40 assists to her name already this season. On the defensive end of the court, Nairobi Lewis is one of the SWAC's best post defenders, averaging 1.1 blocks per game. She ranks second in the conference in that average, behind Florida A&M's Breazia Robinson.
GAMES AGAINST THE SWAC
Ole Miss has historically dominated SWAC opponents, holding a 99-7 combined record against all members of the conference. The Rebels went 5-0 against SWAC opponents last season, with two of the victories (against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alabama State) setting program records for fewest points allowed. Ole Miss has won the last 21 matchups against SWAC opponents, with McPhee-McCuin holding a perfect 20-0 record. The Rebels are already 2-0 against SWAC opponents this season, with victories against Alabama A&M and Southern in back-to-back outings.
10-1
Kicking off the season 10-1, it marks the second time under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin the Rebels have reached 10 wins in a season after only 11 games. Last time Ole Miss did so, McPhee-McCuin led the Rebels to a 13-1 start during the 2021-22 season. Overall, it's only the third time in the 21st century that the Rebels have started 10-1 or better in the season's first 11 games.
THE IWUALA IMPACT
Christeen Iwuala has established herself as one of the top frontcourt players in the SEC throughout the nonconference season. She has recorded a double-double in four outings this year, after previously never earning the feat in any of her three seasons of collegiate basketball prior. She's the first Rebel since Madison Scott in 2022-23 to have that many double-doubles in the first eleven games of the season.
Additionally, Iwuala has grabbed the most rebounds by a Rebel in eight games this year, leading Ole Miss in the category, while also leading the Rebels in scoring four times. She is following the pattern that Rebel transfers under Coach Yo tend to blossom in their second year in Oxford, joining the likes of Marquesha Davis, Angel Baker and Shakira Austin.
SHE'S THE mcMAHON
Cotie McMahon has provided a spark to the Ole Miss offense in her first season in Oxford, becoming the first Rebel since Shandricka Sessom in 2015-16 to have double-digit points in the first eleven games of the season. She is also the first Rebel since Shakira Austin in 2020-21 to have five games with over 20 points to commence the year.
THREE-HEADED MONSTER
The Rebels were unstoppable off the glass against Wofford, nearly doubling the Terriers rebound total, 53 to 27. This, in large part came from a three-headed monster in Latasha Lattimore (11), Cotie McMahon (11), and Sira Thienou (12), who each reached double-digit rebounds for the day. It's the first time since Nov. 17, 2009, that three Rebels had more than 10 rebounds in a single game.
DICTATE & DISRUPT
Ole Miss' 59-point victory againt South Carolina State is tied for the seventh-widest margin of victory in program history, and its largest win this season. Additionally, 32 points by the Bulldogs is tied for the sixth-fewest points allowed in Ole Miss women's basketball history.
Defense and clean play headlined Ole Miss' dominant victory over SC State on Dec. 14, 2025. The Rebels didn't allow more than 10 points from the Bulldogs in three of the four quarters in the game, including a season-low four in the fourth quarter, all while forcing several extended streaks of scoreless action.
Season and single game tickets for the 2025-26 campaign are on sale now. Click here to secure yours today or visit OleMissTix.com.
Follow the Rebels on X at @OleMissWBB, Facebook at Ole Miss WBB and on Instagram at Ole MissWBB. You can also follow head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin on X at @YolettMcCuin.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's BasketballPRESSER | Yolett McPhee-McCuin (12-16-25)
Tuesday, December 16
PRESSER | Latasha Lattimore & Tianna Thompson (12-16-25)
Tuesday, December 16
PRESSER: Tianna Thompson & Christeen Iwuala (South Carolina State Postgame)
Sunday, December 14
PRESSER: Yolett McPhee-McCuin (South Carolina State Postgame)
Sunday, December 14