Basketball in the SEC isn't just a game; it's basically a high-stakes chess match played at 100 miles per hour with a soundtrack of deafening crowds. When you look at the recent clash between the Ole Miss Rebels women's basketball vs LSU Tigers women's basketball, you aren't just looking at two teams on a court. You're watching a collision of two distinct philosophies. On one side, you have the flash and championship pedigree of Kim Mulkey’s LSU. On the other, the grit and "we defy expectations" culture built by Yolett McPhee-McCuin—better known as "Coach Yo"—at Ole Miss.
Honestly, people used to overlook this matchup. Not anymore. Ever since that shocking upset in Baton Rouge back in March 2025, where the Rebels erased a 15-point deficit to stun the then-No. 7 Tigers 85-77, this has become appointment television.
Why the Recent History Matters
The March 2, 2025 game changed the vibe of this rivalry. For years, LSU had a stranglehold on the series, at one point winning nine of ten matchups. But that day at the Maravich Center (the PMAC), something shifted. Aneesah Morrow was busy making history, recording her 100th career double-double—a feat only matched by Courtney Paris in the NCAA record books. She dropped 28 points and 12 boards. LSU looked untouchable, leading 44-31 at the half.
Then, the Rebels went nuclear.
Tameiya Sadler, who usually isn't the primary scoring threat, turned into a flamethrower. She hit five triples and finished with 19 points. Ole Miss outscored LSU 54-33 in the second half. They forced 23 turnovers. That’s the thing about Coach Yo’s teams—they don't care about your ranking or your home-court advantage. They play a brand of "positionless" basketball that’s absolute chaos for opposing guards.
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Breaking Down the 2025-2026 Rosters
Looking at the current 2025-2026 season, the landscape has evolved again. LSU is still a juggernaut, but they've had to navigate injuries, specifically to Flau’jae Johnson, whose veteran leadership and defensive intensity are the heartbeat of that team.
LSU Tigers Key Weapons:
- Mikaylah Williams: A certified bucket. As a junior, her ability to score from all three levels makes her the toughest cover in the conference.
- Aneesah Morrow: The double-double machine. Her strength in the paint is basically a cheat code.
- Kailyn Gilbert: The Arizona transfer who has stepped into a vital role, providing scoring punch when the stars are being double-teamed.
- Freshman Infusion: Keep an eye on Grace Knox and ZaKiyah Johnson. Mulkey has a knack for getting blue-chip freshmen to play like seniors by February.
Ole Miss Rebels Key Weapons:
- Cotie McMahon: The Ohio State transfer was a massive get for Coach Yo. She’s currently averaging nearly 20 points a game and brings a physical edge that Ole Miss lacked in previous years.
- Debreasha Powe: A senior leader who can stretch the floor. If she’s hitting her shots, the Rebels are nearly impossible to beat because it opens up the paint.
- Christeen Iwuala: The UCLA transfer provides the size and rim protection needed to battle LSU’s bigs.
- Denim DeShields: A lightning-quick guard who sets the tempo.
The Tactical Battle: Mulkey vs. McPhee-McCuin
Kim Mulkey is a tactical genius, but she’s also a motivator. She wants her teams to out-work and out-shine you. Her LSU teams are known for their transition game and their ability to dominate the boards. If you let LSU get out on the break, it’s over.
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Coach Yo, however, loves the mud. She wants the game to be ugly, physical, and defensive. Ole Miss focuses heavily on "disruption." They don't just want to steal the ball; they want to make you uncomfortable for 40 minutes. In their recent 2026 matchups, the Rebels have leaned heavily on a rotation that swaps players in and out to keep the defensive pressure at a 10.
It's a clash of styles. LSU wants a track meet; Ole Miss wants a wrestling match.
What Most Fans Get Wrong About This Matchup
Most people think LSU’s star power is enough to cruise past "middle-tier" SEC teams. That’s a mistake. Ole Miss has moved out of the middle tier. They are a top-20 program now.
Another misconception? That LSU is just a "one-and-done" factory. While Mulkey recruits stars, her player development is actually what wins them games in March. On the flip side, some think Ole Miss is just "defensive-minded." With the addition of scorers like Cotie McMahon, their offensive ceiling is much higher than it was two years ago.
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Key Stats to Watch
When these two meet, the game is usually won or lost at the free-throw line and on the offensive glass. In the Rebels' 85-77 win, they actually won the rebound battle against an LSU team that pride themselves on being "Board Queens."
You've also got to watch the turnover margin. LSU struggled significantly with ball security against the Rebels' press, giving up 27 points off turnovers in their last big meeting. If LSU takes care of the ball, they usually win. If they get sloppy, Ole Miss will punish them every single time.
The "Star" Factor
We have to talk about the impact of NIL and the portal here. This isn't the same roster from three years ago. The fact that Ole Miss can pull a player like McMahon from the Big Ten and LSU can snag a player like Kate Koval from Notre Dame shows how high the stakes are. These aren't just college kids playing for a scholarship; these are professional-grade athletes playing for championships and brand deals.
The atmosphere in Oxford or Baton Rouge for this game is electric. It’s loud. It’s hot. It’s the SEC.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re watching the next installment of Ole Miss Rebels women's basketball vs LSU Tigers women's basketball, keep these three things in mind to understand who’s actually winning:
- Watch the first 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter. LSU has a habit of starting fast, but Ole Miss has proven to be a "second-half team." If Ole Miss is within 8 points at halftime, the Tigers are in trouble.
- Check the foul count on the bigs. If Aneesah Morrow or Christeen Iwuala get into early foul trouble, the entire defensive scheme for their respective teams falls apart.
- Monitor the transition points. If LSU has more than 15 fast-break points, they are likely dictating the pace. If the game is played mostly in the half-court, the advantage tilts toward the Rebels.
The gap between these two programs has closed. It’s no longer a "David vs. Goliath" story; it’s two Goliaths in different colored jerseys. Whether you're a fan of the purple and gold or the powder blue, this matchup has become one of the premier rivalries in women's college basketball. It’s physical, it’s emotional, and it’s unpredictable. That’s why we watch.