Morrow’s 100th career double-double is recorded; Ole Miss defeats No. 7 LSU 85-77.

Morrow’s 100th Career Double-Double Leads Ole Miss to 85-77 Victory Over No. 7 LSU

In a game that showcased resilience, determination, and individual brilliance, Ole Miss defeated No. 7 LSU 85-77 on a historic night that saw senior forward, Morrow, record her 100th career double-double. The Rebels’ victory was not just a statement win against one of the Southeastern Conference’s most storied programs but also a testament to the leadership and consistency Morrow has brought to the team over the years.

A Historic Milestone for Morrow

As Morrow secured her 100th career double-double during this monumental game, it marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The achievement is a rarity in collegiate basketball, one that places her in elite company. Double-doubles, which are performances in which a player records double-digit figures in two statistical categories (points and rebounds being the most common), are a marker of consistency, versatility, and effort. Morrow’s ability to do this 100 times is a testament to her work ethic, her skill set, and her invaluable contribution to Ole Miss basketball.

Entering the game, Morrow was already one of the standout players for the Rebels, but with this milestone, she solidified her legacy as one of the program’s greats. The 100th double-double not only highlighted her individual excellence but also symbolized the collective journey she’s had with Ole Miss, from her early days as a promising freshman to becoming a senior leader capable of guiding her team through one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.

The Game: A Battle Between SEC Heavyweights

The matchup between Ole Miss and LSU was always going to be a test for the Rebels. LSU, ranked No. 7 in the nation, entered the game with a reputation for their elite defense, strong rebounding, and explosive offensive play. Their roster boasted some of the best players in the country, and many analysts had pegged them as potential national champions.

For Ole Miss, it was a chance to prove themselves on the national stage, showing that they could compete with the best. LSU’s high-powered offense, led by one of the top scorers in the SEC, had given plenty of teams fits this season, but Ole Miss’ defense and Morrow’s steady presence in the paint proved to be more than enough to handle the challenge.

The Rebels were led by Morrow’s 25 points and 14 rebounds, but it was her all-around game that made the difference. She played with a sense of urgency, controlling both ends of the floor. Her ability to dominate in the paint while also being a presence on defense gave Ole Miss the advantage they needed to pull off the win. Her performance was made even more significant by the fact that she did it against an opponent like LSU, known for their defense and athleticism.

But Morrow wasn’t alone in leading Ole Miss to victory. Guard play was critical in this win, and Ole Miss’ backcourt stepped up to support their star player. Guard Shakira Austin added 18 points and 8 assists, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive flow. Austin, who has been a key player for Ole Miss throughout the season, displayed her versatility by facilitating the offense while also contributing to scoring. The two-headed monster of Morrow and Austin was too much for LSU to handle, as they combined for over 40 points and played crucial roles in both the offensive and defensive schemes.

Ole Miss started strong, showing early on that they weren’t going to be intimidated by LSU’s rankings. Despite facing LSU’s aggressive press and intense defensive play, the Rebels managed to keep pace with their rivals. The first half saw both teams exchanging runs, but Ole Miss was able to close the half with a slim lead. By halftime, the Rebels were ahead 42-38, with Morrow already putting up double digits in points and rebounds.

In the second half, Ole Miss showed their mettle, weathering LSU’s offensive outbursts and maintaining their composure. LSU had a few chances to cut into the lead, but every time they made a push, Morrow and her teammates responded. Whether it was Morrow finishing with a crucial rebound or Austin hitting a timely shot, Ole Miss answered every LSU run with one of their own. Morrow’s 100th double-double came at a crucial juncture, as she corralled an important rebound in the closing minutes and followed it up with a basket to help Ole Miss extend their lead to a comfortable margin.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Rebels had secured a well-deserved 85-77 win, leaving the home crowd in celebration. It was a moment of triumph not just for the team but for Morrow, who had capped off her historic night with the kind of performance that had defined her career: a complete, dominant effort that lifted her team to victory.

Key Factors in the Victory

While Morrow’s 100th career double-double was undoubtedly the headline of the game, the victory can be attributed to several factors:

1. Rebounding and Defense:

One of the hallmarks of Ole Miss’ success this season has been their ability to rebound and control the paint. Against LSU, they were able to out-rebound their opponents, 45-36, with Morrow pulling down 14 boards. LSU, known for their physicality and rebounding prowess, found themselves stymied by Ole Miss’ interior defense, which was anchored by Morrow’s shot-blocking and tenacious rebounding.

2. Efficient Scoring:

Ole Miss shot an impressive 47% from the field and 38% from three-point range. The Rebels did an excellent job of moving the ball and finding open shots. Austin’s ability to both score and distribute the ball was critical, as she created open looks for herself and her teammates. Their offensive efficiency helped them stay ahead despite LSU’s quick transition offense and sharp shooting.

3. Poise Under Pressure:

As LSU began to rally in the second half, the Rebels maintained their composure. They didn’t panic when LSU made runs, and they continued executing their game plan. This poise was essential in a game where the momentum could have easily shifted to LSU’s side. Morrow’s leadership on the floor, both with her scoring and vocal presence, set the tone for her teammates to stay calm and focused.

4. Toughness and Physical Play:

Ole Miss wasn’t afraid to play physical basketball, which was necessary to match LSU’s aggressive style. The Rebels were able to stand their ground on both ends of the floor, not backing down from the challenge LSU posed. Morrow’s physicality in the paint allowed Ole Miss to control the tempo of the game, and her ability to finish through contact was a key factor in securing the win.

LSU’s Struggles and What Went Wrong

Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the country, LSU struggled to find consistency throughout the game. Their defense, which has been one of their strengths all season, seemed to lack the intensity needed to contain Morrow and her teammates. Additionally, while LSU had moments of brilliance offensively, they were often out of sync and unable to execute at crucial times.

LSU’s star player, who had been a dominant force throughout the season, was held to just 18 points, well below her average. Ole Miss’ defense, particularly in the second half, did an excellent job of making her work for every point, limiting her opportunities in transition and forcing her into tough shots.

Furthermore, LSU’s bench depth, often a strength of their team, did not provide the spark they needed in this game. The Tigers struggled to find scoring from their reserves, which allowed Ole Miss to maintain a steady lead throughout the contest.

The Bigger Picture: Implications for Ole Miss and LSU

For Ole Miss, the victory over LSU was a crucial one in the context of the SEC standings and the NCAA tournament. The Rebels’ performance against a top-10 team served notice to the rest of the league that they are a force to be reckoned with. With Morrow’s leadership and Austin’s ability to step up in big moments, Ole Miss has positioned themselves as a potential dark horse in the conference and a team capable of making a deep run in March.

As for LSU, the loss serves as a reminder that no team is invincible. The Tigers will need to regroup and address the issues that were exposed by Ole Miss, particularly their defensive vulnerabilities. They will certainly be looking to bounce back, but this loss could have significant implications for their positioning in the SEC and their overall seeding in the NCAA tournament.

A Night to Remember

Ole Miss’ 85-77 victory over LSU was a defining moment for the program and for Morrow. Her 100th career double-double will go down as one of the most memorable performances in Ole Miss basketball history. The Rebels’ victory is not just a testament to Morrow’s greatness but to the heart and resilience of the entire team. With their eyes set on the postseason, Ole Miss has proven that they are capable of going toe-to-toe with the best in the country. As Morrow’s career continues to evolve, this game will be remembered as one of her finest moments — a win against a powerhouse team and a milestone achievement that speaks to the greatness she’s achieved.