The Ole Miss Women’s Basketball team, ranked No. 13, held off a stubborn Notre Dame squad 69-62 on their home floor at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion, improving their record to 8-0. The Fighting Irish, at 5-2, now face a more challenging path ahead after a gritty but uneven performance on the road.
Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Passes the Test
It was a night where Ole Miss women’s basketball earned every bit of the praise. The Rebels leaned heavily on balanced scoring and intensity on both ends of the floor to overcome a late push from Notre Dame.
Cotie McMahon led the charge offensively with a 22-point outing on 10-of-20 shooting, including two threes and plenty of aggressive drives. Meanwhile, Christeen Iwuala provided an all-around strong line: 18 points and a team-leading 13 rebounds. Her presence inside gave the Rebels a clear advantage on the boards, which eventually helped them control the glass and dictate the pace.
But it wasn’t just about the stars. Role players contributed at key moments. Sira Thienou brought toughness, energy on defense, and hustle on loose balls. The Rebels’ supporting cast helped hold off Notre Dame’s comeback by mixing stops, ball control, and timely buckets.
Notre Dame Falls Short
On the other side, the Fighting Irish looked in control early but faded after halftime. Hannah Hidalgo carried the offense with 28 points on 10-of-23 shooting and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. Her scoring was heroic at times. Overall, the Irish offense struggled for consistency; they shot 43.6% from the field and made only 2 of 7 from three.
Rebounding proved a challenge; the Irish were outmuscled on the boards (27 total rebounds vs. Ole Miss’s women’s 42). That deficit allowed the Rebels second-chance opportunities, and over the course of a complete game, those chances added up. There were flashes; Notre Dame’s guard play tried to chip away in the final quarter, but they couldn’t overcome the combination of Ole Miss women’s physicality and defensive discipline.
What This Win Means
Tonight served as a real statement for “Ole Miss Women’s Basketball.” An 8-0 start is impressive on paper, but knocking off a ranked power like Notre Dame gives it legitimacy. The Rebels showed that they’re more than a fast start; they have depth, composure, and a balanced attack.
With this win, Ole Miss improves its nonconference résumé, potentially a late-season NCAA Tournament résumé if it continues to build. The confidence gained from beating a storied program like Notre Dame could carry forward as the schedule intensifies. For Notre Dame, this loss is a warning sign. Their offense can lean too heavily on one player, and when others struggle, particularly with rebounds and perimeter shooting, it becomes a steep climb.
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