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McPhee-McCuin Hopeful Ole Miss’ Win at MSU Is ‘The Turning Point’

After a challenging stretch to begin the 2025 SEC season, Ole Miss women’s basketball coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin is holding onto optimism following her team’s impressive victory over Mississippi State. The 74-64 win in Starkville has provided a fresh sense of hope for McPhee-McCuin and her squad, as they look to turn around their fortunes in conference play. McPhee-McCuin, known for her fiery leadership style and her commitment to building a competitive program, believes that this victory could serve as the “turning point” that propels the Rebels forward in what has been a tumultuous campaign thus far.

For a program that has been striving to make its mark in the SEC, Ole Miss’ win over Mississippi State was not just another victory. It was a statement—one that sent a message both to the rest of the conference and to the players themselves. The win was an example of what the Rebels can achieve when they are firing on all cylinders, and McPhee-McCuin’s post-game comments reflected her belief that the team is capable of achieving even more.

A Victory Built on Resilience

The win was significant not only for its impact on the standings but for the way in which it was achieved. Ole Miss had to battle through adversity, including a strong Mississippi State team that had been a consistent force in the SEC in recent years. The Bulldogs had been dominant at home, making Ole Miss’ road victory even more impressive. McPhee-McCuin’s team showed resilience, particularly in the second half, when they fought back from a deficit to secure the win.

“We’ve been working hard for moments like this,” McPhee-McCuin said in her post-game interview. “This is a big moment for us. The way we fought back tonight shows me that this group has something special. We’ve been waiting for a performance like this, and I really hope this is the turning point for us.”

The Rebels showed a level of composure that had often been missing in previous games. They weathered the storm when Mississippi State mounted a run and found ways to execute in crucial moments. Senior guard and team leader, Madison Scott, was instrumental in leading her team, contributing both offensively and defensively. Her ability to score at key moments and her leadership on the court were pivotal in securing the victory.

Team Chemistry and McPhee-McCuin’s Leadership

The win was also a testament to the strong team chemistry that McPhee-McCuin has been working to cultivate since taking over the program. While Ole Miss has had some growing pains in recent seasons, McPhee-McCuin has consistently emphasized the importance of building a cohesive unit that plays for each other. The Rebels’ win at Mississippi State demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach.

The Rebels’ defense, in particular, was a key factor in the victory. McPhee-McCuin has built a reputation as a coach who emphasizes toughness and grit, and her team embodied those qualities in Starkville. Ole Miss disrupted Mississippi State’s offensive rhythm, forcing the Bulldogs into tough shots and turnovers. This defensive intensity allowed Ole Miss to capitalize on fast breaks and transition opportunities, which helped them stay in the game and eventually take control.

McPhee-McCuin’s leadership style, which is both passionate and empowering, has been critical in the team’s growth. She has worked tirelessly to instill confidence in her players, and that trust paid off in this game. For McPhee-McCuin, this victory was not just about the win itself, but about the way the team approached it.

“We’ve been telling these players to believe in themselves, to trust the system and the process,” McPhee-McCuin said. “Tonight, they did that. And they showed they can compete with anyone in this league. I’m so proud of them.”

The Turning Point Mentality

For McPhee-McCuin, the idea of this game being a turning point is deeply personal. When she took over as head coach in 2018, she inherited a program that had struggled for consistency in the SEC. McPhee-McCuin was brought in to elevate the program and build it into a contender in one of the toughest conferences in women’s college basketball.

Since her arrival, she has faced her share of challenges. Recruiting at Ole Miss is not without its difficulties, especially when competing against traditional powers in the SEC. However, McPhee-McCuin has made significant strides in securing top talent and developing her players, many of whom have become household names in the SEC.

The win over Mississippi State is symbolic of the growth McPhee-McCuin has seen in her team over the past few seasons. For McPhee-McCuin, this victory is a potential springboard for greater success, not just for this season, but for the future of the program. She knows that one win, no matter how important, doesn’t define the entire season. However, it can provide the momentum needed to push a team toward greater heights.

“This is just the beginning,” McPhee-McCuin said. “We’ve got a long way to go, and I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, but this feels like a moment that could change everything for us. It’s not just about beating Mississippi State; it’s about what comes next and how we carry this forward.”

What’s Next for Ole Miss?

While McPhee-McCuin is understandably focused on the immediate impact of the win, the bigger picture for Ole Miss remains the same: they need to continue improving in a competitive conference. The SEC is home to some of the best teams in the country, and the margin for error is razor-thin. One victory, no matter how big, doesn’t guarantee sustained success.

However, the win over Mississippi State can serve as a confidence booster for the Rebels as they head into the remainder of their SEC schedule. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players, Ole Miss has the tools to compete with the best in the league. Players like Scott, along with freshman standout Kiera Allen, provide a dynamic combination of leadership and skill that McPhee-McCuin can rely on as they navigate the challenges ahead.

The Rebels will need to stay focused and continue to build on the momentum generated by their performance in Starkville. If they can maintain their defensive intensity and find more offensive consistency, they could become a dangerous team in the second half of the SEC season.

McPhee-McCuin’s Vision for Ole Miss

Looking beyond this season, McPhee-McCuin has a clear vision for the future of Ole Miss women’s basketball. She wants to build a program that is consistently competitive in the SEC, a program that can challenge for conference championships and make deep runs in the NCAA tournament. While the road to achieving that vision will be long, McPhee-McCuin believes that the foundation is being laid.

“We’ve got something special here,” McPhee-McCuin said. “This program is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. We’re building it the right way, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

For now, McPhee-McCuin and her team are taking it one game at a time, focusing on the present while keeping their eyes on the bigger goal. The win at Mississippi State is a significant step in that journey, and it has provided the Rebels with the confidence and belief that they are capable of achieving great things.