Ole Miss women dominate Alabama State with 89-24 victory

On Saturday, November 30, 2024, the No. 18 ranked University of Mississippi women's basketball team achieved a resounding victory over Alabama State, winning by a staggering 89-24 margin. The game, played in Oxford, Mississippi, showcased Ole Miss's dominance from the start, where they scored the first 16 points. By the end of the first quarter, Alabama State faced a significant 24-4 deficit, struggling with their shooting accuracy and maintaining possession of the ball. The Rebels capitalized on the Hornets' mistakes and took control of the game's momentum early on. In the second quarter, the Rebels added to their lead with a scoring spree of 33 points while limiting the Hornets to just six points. At halftime, the score stood at 57-10 in favor of Ole Miss. During the match, Sira Thienou emerged as a standout player, contributing significantly with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, showcasing her all-around skills on the court. Starr Jacobs and Christeen Iwuala also performed well, each scoring 12 points, while Kennedy Todd-Williams added 11 points to the team's total. The overall shooting percentage for Ole Miss was impressive at 58%, and they capitalized on a staggering 28 points scored off turnovers, which illustrates the defensive pressure they maintained throughout the game. Alabama State, on the other hand, faced considerable challenges, shooting only 19% from the field and committing 33 turnovers. The Hornets struggled particularly in the first half, where they could not find their rhythm, resulting in a half-time score that reflected their difficulties. Their performance saw them shooting poorly, particularly in the first quarter where they managed only 1 of 8 from the field with 11 turnovers. In addition to their shooting woes, the Hornets were outrebounded significantly, with Ole Miss grabbing 43 rebounds compared to Alabama State's 25. This game represents Ole Miss’s third victory against teams from the Southwestern Athletic Conference, enhancing their record to 5-2. The Rebels are anticipated to face a tougher challenge in their next outing as they prepare to play against NC State in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Thursday. This performance reinforces Ole Miss's status as a formidable team in women's college basketball as they continue their season with confidence and momentum.