What's Happening?
The Ole Miss women's basketball team, ranked No. 14, achieved a decisive victory over Old Dominion with a score of 86-57 at the Cherokee Invitational. Christeen Iwuala led the Rebels with a double-double,
scoring 23 points and securing 10 rebounds. The game saw Ole Miss taking a strong lead early on, with a 22-11 advantage in the first quarter. Despite a challenging second quarter where both teams struggled with shooting, Ole Miss maintained their lead. Old Dominion attempted a comeback in the third quarter with six successful three-pointers, but Ole Miss responded strongly in the fourth quarter, outscoring Old Dominion 29-10. The victory improved Ole Miss's record to 12-1, while Old Dominion fell to 7-5.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Ole Miss as it reinforces their strong performance this season, maintaining their position as a formidable team in women's college basketball. The win at the Cherokee Invitational not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their standing in the Southeastern Conference. For Old Dominion, the loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining defensive pressure and consistency throughout the game. The performance of key players like Christeen Iwuala and Cotie McMahon for Ole Miss demonstrates the depth and talent within the team, which could be crucial as they face tougher opponents in future games.
What's Next?
Following this victory, Ole Miss is set to face Michigan State in the championship game of the Cherokee Invitational. This matchup will be an opportunity for Ole Miss to further solidify their reputation and potentially improve their ranking. Old Dominion, on the other hand, will play against Indiana State in the consolation game, where they will aim to bounce back and address the shortcomings observed in their game against Ole Miss. Both teams will be looking to refine their strategies and player performances as they continue their respective seasons.
