In a thrilling showdown in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Ole Miss women’s basketball team pulled off an impressive comeback victory against No. 7 LSU, winning 85-77 on Sunday. Tameiya Sadler was instrumental in the Rebels’ triumph, scoring 19 points and hitting five crucial 3-pointers to help erase a significant 15-point deficit in the third quarter. Starr Jacobs contributed 17 points, while Kirsten Dean added 15 of her 16 points in the second half, including three successful shots from beyond the arc. Christie Iwuala also provided a solid performance with 11 points, as Ole Miss improved to a 19-9 overall record and a 10-5 record in the SEC.
LSU was hindered by the absence of Flau’Jae Johnson, a first-team All-SEC guard sidelined due to shin inflammation. Despite this setback, the Tigers received a strong showing from Aneesah Morrow, who notched her 100th career double-double with 30 points and 12 rebounds, making her only the second player in NCAA history to reach such a feat alongside Courtney Paris. Mikaylah Williams supported with 25 points, and Kailyn Gilbert chipped in with 11 points, as the Tigers fell to their fourth loss of the season, now holding a 27-4 record.
Several takeaways emerged from this game. Ole Miss capitalized on LSU’s 23 turnovers, achieving 27 points off these errors. Sadler, who previously averaged 6.4 points, demonstrated defensive prowess with five steals, while Sira Thienou added four steals to the effort. Conversely, LSU’s Senior Night turned bittersweet as the team lost its first home game of the season, snapping an 18-game winning streak at home. Seniors Aneesah Morrow, Last-Tear Poa, Shayean Day-Wilson, and Amani Bartlett were recognized in the team’s pre-game festivities.
A pivotal moment occurred when Ole Miss overcame their 15-point lag at the beginning of the third quarter, eventually taking their first lead with a minute remaining in the third period, courtesy of a 3-pointer by Dean. She was instrumental during this surge, scoring 13 of the team’s 32 points in the quarter. The Rebels dominated the rebound battle 27-23 and excelled in the paint, scoring 38 points, led by Jacobs’ 18.
Looking ahead, LSU, placed as the third seed in the SEC Tournament, benefits from a double bye and will return to action on Friday in Greenville, South Carolina.
