As March Madness approaches, the excitement in the world of college basketball is palpable. And while some teams have already cemented their place as tournament favorites, others are still vying for their chance to make a statement on the national stage. One team that has been turning heads in the SEC conference recently is Ole Miss women’s basketball.
The Rebels had a moment in the spotlight last Sunday when they took on top-ranked South Carolina and pushed them to overtime before ultimately falling short. This followed a near-miss against LSU just three days prior, proving that Ole Miss is a force to be reckoned with in the conference.
Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin has been vocal about her belief that the Rebels are one of the top 25 teams in the country, and it seems that some bracketologists agree with her. ESPN’s Charlie Kreme has projected Ole Miss as a No. 8 seed, while CBS Sports’ Connor Groel has a lower projection as a No. 10 seed. Despite the discrepancy, the fact that Ole Miss is even being considered for a tournament spot is a testament to their recent performances.
But what makes Ole Miss a team to watch in the NCAA Tournament? For starters, they have proven that they can compete with the best teams in the conference. Their near-upsets against South Carolina and LSU, two of the top teams in the SEC, show that they have the talent and grit to make a deep run in the tournament.
Additionally, Ole Miss has a number of players who have been making a significant impact on the court. Shakira Austin has been a standout player for the Rebels this season, averaging 17.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Donnetta Johnson and Taylor Smith have also been key players for Ole Miss, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Of course, tournament projections can change quickly, and Ole Miss still has two regular-season games and the SEC Tournament ahead of them. But regardless of their tournament seeding, the Rebels have already made their mark in the SEC and will be a team to watch as March Madness gets underway.
As fans and analysts alike look ahead to the NCAA Tournament, there are sure to be plenty of surprises and upsets along the way. And while some teams may be considered favorites, it’s important not to count out the underdogs. Ole Miss women’s basketball has proven that they are a team to watch, and they just might be the ones to shake up the tournament this year.
