LSU was defeated by the Rebels! In a stunning comeback, Ole Miss women’s basketball defeats the No. 7 Tigers in Baton Rouge.

LSU Women’s Basketball Falls to Ole Miss in Thrilling Comeback

In a stunning upset that will surely echo throughout the Southeastern Conference (SEC) this season, the Ole Miss women’s basketball team defeated the No. 7-ranked LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Rebels mounted a breathtaking comeback to claim a 72-68 victory, sending shockwaves through the college basketball world. For the Tigers, a team that had been riding high on their successful season, the loss marked a difficult and humbling moment.

The Stage Was Set for a Classic SEC Battle

The LSU Tigers, with their formidable lineup and top-10 ranking, were considered the heavy favorites in this SEC showdown. Led by coach Kim Mulkey, the Tigers had been on an impressive streak, establishing themselves as one of the premier teams in the country. Their blend of talent, including stars like Angel Reese, made them a powerhouse, and the expectation was clear: a home win against Ole Miss would keep them solidly in the hunt for a top seed in the NCAA tournament.

On the other side, the Ole Miss Rebels, under the guidance of head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, had been a team on the rise but still lacked the same level of national recognition as LSU. Despite their potential, they had struggled at times against the conference’s elite teams, but they were hungry to prove themselves. The Rebels knew this was an opportunity to not only secure a marquee win but also to announce that they belonged among the SEC’s upper echelon.

The atmosphere in Pete Maravich Assembly Center was electric as fans filed into the stands, eager to witness what many expected to be another dominant performance by LSU. But little did they know that the Rebels had other plans.

A Strong First Half from LSU

From the opening tip-off, LSU asserted its dominance. The Tigers wasted no time establishing their physical presence in the paint, with Angel Reese taking control early, both scoring and grabbing crucial rebounds. She dominated Ole Miss’ defense, showcasing her elite rebounding skills and versatile scoring abilities. The Rebels struggled to contain her, and LSU’s defense, led by a tenacious backcourt and frontcourt defense, kept Ole Miss off balance throughout much of the first half.

LSU’s offense flowed smoothly as they pushed the pace, with Reese leading the charge and guard Alexis Morris facilitating the ball with precision. The Tigers were hitting their shots from all over the floor, especially from beyond the arc. The Rebels had a tough time matching LSU’s intensity and athleticism early on, and by the midpoint of the first half, LSU had built a double-digit lead.

However, Ole Miss didn’t let the score dictate their effort. The Rebels showed resilience as they fought to stay within striking distance, despite their early struggles. Rebels star guard Madison Scott and forward Angel Baker began to find their rhythm as they chipped away at LSU’s lead. Still, the Tigers controlled the tempo, and at halftime, LSU had a solid 39-29 advantage, seemingly in complete control of the game.

The Turnaround: Ole Miss Finds Their Groove

As the second half began, the dynamics of the game shifted. Ole Miss came out of the locker room with a new sense of urgency and intensity, determined to make this a competitive contest. The Rebels’ defense, which had been porous in the first half, tightened up significantly. They started pressuring LSU’s ball handlers, forcing turnovers and limiting easy scoring opportunities. This defensive surge energized the Rebels and helped them find their offensive rhythm.

One of the pivotal moments came when Ole Miss forward Madison Scott hit a three-pointer to cut the Tigers’ lead to just seven points. That shot seemed to spark the Rebels, and they began to play with a renewed sense of confidence. As LSU’s offense began to slow, Ole Miss seized the opportunity to take control of the game.

Angel Baker, who had been quiet in the first half, exploded in the second. Her ability to drive to the basket, combined with her smooth jump shot, made her nearly unstoppable. Baker’s scoring run cut LSU’s lead to just five points, and the Tigers found themselves in an unfamiliar position: on the ropes.

While LSU tried to steady the ship, the pressure mounted as Ole Miss continued to rally. A key sequence came when the Rebels forced two turnovers in quick succession, leading to fast-break opportunities. With less than five minutes left in the game, Ole Miss had tied the score at 64-64, and the momentum was squarely on their side.

LSU’s Struggles and Ole Miss’ Clutch Play

As the game neared its final minutes, the tension in the building was palpable. LSU, once in command, now found themselves in a dogfight. The Tigers’ offense, which had flowed so smoothly in the first half, became bogged down in the face of Ole Miss’ relentless defense. Angel Reese, despite her best efforts, struggled to find her rhythm down the stretch, with Ole Miss defenders swarming her every time she touched the ball.

In contrast, Ole Miss was executing down the stretch with poise. Madison Scott hit a crucial mid-range jumper with under a minute to play, giving the Rebels a 70-68 lead. LSU had a chance to respond, but their offense sputtered. A missed three-pointer by Alexis Morris and a critical offensive rebound by Ole Miss sealed the game for the Rebels.

With the clock winding down, Ole Miss managed to sink two free throws, pushing their lead to 72-68, and LSU’s final possession ended in a rushed, contested shot that fell short. The buzzer sounded, and the Ole Miss players erupted in jubilation as they celebrated one of the biggest wins in the history of their program.

Analyzing the Key Factors

1. Ole Miss’ Defensive Adjustment

The Rebels’ defense in the second half was the key to their success. After struggling to contain LSU in the first half, they came out with a more aggressive and disciplined defensive scheme. By pressuring the ball and doubling Angel Reese whenever possible, they were able to slow LSU’s offense significantly. Additionally, Ole Miss’ ability to limit second-chance opportunities by controlling the boards was crucial.

2. Angel Baker’s Explosive Second Half

Baker’s performance in the second half was nothing short of spectacular. She scored 18 of her 22 points after halftime, including several clutch buckets down the stretch. Her ability to create her own shot, as well as her composure in key moments, made her the difference-maker for Ole Miss.

3. Free Throw Shooting

In a tightly contested game, free throws became crucial, and Ole Miss took full advantage of their opportunities from the charity stripe. While LSU struggled at times to make free throws, the Rebels were efficient, particularly in the final moments when they sealed the game with clutch free throws.

4. The Tigers’ Missed Opportunities

For LSU, this game will be remembered for missed opportunities. While Angel Reese had a solid game, her second-half struggles were noticeable. Additionally, LSU’s offense became stagnant late in the game, as they failed to execute effectively in crucial moments. In a game of such high stakes, those missed shots and turnovers proved costly.

The Fallout: What This Loss Means

For LSU, this defeat is a wake-up call. Despite being a top-10 team and boasting one of the best players in the country in Angel Reese, the Tigers will need to address their issues, particularly in late-game execution and their ability to adapt when facing adversity. Coach Kim Mulkey will no doubt emphasize the need for resilience and poise moving forward.

For Ole Miss, this win is monumental. It marks a statement victory that could be a defining moment for the program. Beating a top-10 team on the road, especially in such a dramatic fashion, proves that the Rebels are more than capable of competing with the best. Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin deserves credit for keeping her team focused and ready to capitalize on LSU’s mistakes. This win could propel Ole Miss into the national conversation as they continue their push for an NCAA tournament berth.

In the end, Ole Miss’ thrilling comeback victory over LSU was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of college basketball. The game was filled with dramatic moments, strategic adjustments, and individual brilliance. While LSU will no doubt be disappointed with the outcome, Ole Miss’ performance will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets in recent memory.

As the season progresses, both teams will learn valuable lessons from this game. For LSU, it’s about bouncing back and regaining their focus. For Ole Miss, it’s about building on this momentum and proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. This game will certainly go down as a turning point in the 2025 women’s college basketball season.