McPhee-McCuin Hopeful Ole Miss’ Win at MSU ‘the Turning Point’

When Yolett McPhee-McCuin took the reins of the Ole Miss women’s basketball program in 2018, she did so with a vision for a team that would consistently compete at the highest levels of the Southeastern Conference. However, the road to prominence has not always been smooth for the Rebels, and the 2023-2024 season has been no different. While Ole Miss has shown flashes of brilliance, they have struggled with consistency, especially in conference play.

That was, until they made their statement win over in-state rival Mississippi State (MSU) earlier this season. The 69-60 victory in Starkville was more than just a win; it was a game that many saw as a potential turning point for a program that has been seeking to elevate itself. McPhee-McCuin, often the optimistic leader of her squad, expressed hope that this win would serve as the catalyst for sustained success for her team moving forward.

“Winning this game was not just about getting one over on Mississippi State. It’s about the confidence and belief we needed to build as a program,” McPhee-McCuin said after the game. “It’s a reminder that we can compete with the best, and now we have to prove we can do it consistently.”

A Rivalry Renewed

The rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State has always been one of the most intense in the Southeastern Conference, particularly on the women’s basketball side. Both teams have experienced periods of dominance, and when they face off, the atmosphere is electric. For McPhee-McCuin, the win in Starkville was a statement not just for her team but for the culture she is trying to build at Ole Miss.

“It’s not just about the rivalry,” she explained. “It’s about establishing ourselves as a program that doesn’t back down, one that plays hard every possession and knows how to finish in crunch time. Mississippi State is always a tough opponent, and this win is one that will carry us through the rest of the season.”

While McPhee-McCuin and the Rebels had already experienced their share of challenges in the early part of the season, the victory against MSU represented a shift in momentum. Mississippi State had long been considered the stronger team in the rivalry, often having more talent, depth, and history on their side. However, Ole Miss’ victory was a testament to McPhee-McCuin’s coaching philosophy, her ability to get the most out of her players, and the resilience of the team in high-pressure situations.

Turning the Page on Inconsistency

Ole Miss has shown its potential to compete with the best teams in the SEC, but inconsistency has been their undoing in previous seasons. The Rebels have often struggled to string together consecutive victories, especially in conference play, where the level of competition is fierce. The victory at MSU, though, was seen as the type of win that could change the narrative surrounding the program.

“For us, it’s all about belief,” McPhee-McCuin said. “We know we have the talent, but we’ve had to find a way to turn that talent into consistent results. This win shows that we can do it, and now we just have to prove it on a regular basis.”

The Rebels have had their ups and downs over the past few years, but the foundation McPhee-McCuin has built is beginning to show. Ole Miss has been steadily improving, and the win over MSU served as a reminder that they are capable of competing with the best.

“We’ve been preaching all season that we need to play as a team, to play for each other,” McPhee-McCuin said. “That’s what we saw against Mississippi State. We saw a team that was all in, that trusted each other, and that played for each other from start to finish.”

Key Players in the MSU Win

While it was a team effort, several players stood out in the victory over MSU. One of the standout performances came from senior guard, Myah Taylor, who had a game-high 20 points and 6 assists. Taylor’s leadership and ability to perform in clutch moments have been crucial to the team’s success, and she was a driving force in the victory over the Bulldogs.

“Myah has been so steady for us,” McPhee-McCuin said. “She’s the kind of player who rises to the occasion when we need her most. I think her experience and poise in this game were contagious for the rest of the team.”

Another key contributor was freshman forward, Aaliyah Wilson, who added 14 points and 8 rebounds. Wilson’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has been a bright spot for the Rebels, and she continues to develop into one of the team’s most promising players.

“I think Aaliyah is just scratching the surface of her potential,” McPhee-McCuin noted. “She’s going to be a force in this league for years to come, and she’s already making a huge impact for us.”

The victory at MSU was a collective effort, and McPhee-McCuin was quick to point out the contributions of all her players. “We had contributions from everyone,” she said. “Our bench was huge, our defense was solid, and we executed down the stretch. It was a full team win.”

The Road Ahead

While McPhee-McCuin is hopeful that the win at MSU marks a turning point for her team, she is also realistic about the challenges that still lie ahead. The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in women’s basketball, and Ole Miss will need to continue to improve if they are to compete for a top spot in the standings.

“We know this win is just one step,” McPhee-McCuin said. “We have a long way to go, and we have to build on this momentum. But it’s definitely a step in the right direction.”

For McPhee-McCuin, the key to moving forward is maintaining focus and consistency. “We’ve shown we can win games like this,” she said. “Now we have to show we can do it every time we take the floor.”

That will require continued growth from her players, especially in terms of mental toughness and execution in crunch time. The Rebels have proven they can compete with the best, but to reach the next level, they will need to do it on a consistent basis.

“I think this win gives us the belief that we can do it,” McPhee-McCuin said. “Now it’s about building on that belief, continuing to work hard, and making sure we don’t get complacent.”

The Bigger Picture

McPhee-McCuin’s vision for Ole Miss basketball has always extended beyond just one game or one season. She’s building a program that can sustain success year in and year out. The win at MSU was a small but significant part of that vision. For McPhee-McCuin, it’s not just about beating rival teams; it’s about creating a culture of excellence that will carry the Rebels to long-term success.

“I want to build something here that lasts,” she said. “This program deserves to be in the upper echelon of women’s basketball in the SEC. We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the support, and we’ve got the commitment. It’s just a matter of putting it all together.”

The Rebels’ win at MSU is just one chapter in what McPhee-McCuin hopes will be a story of sustained success. While the victory was a milestone, she knows there is much more work to be done. And as her team looks ahead to the rest of the season, they’ll carry with them the belief that they can compete at the highest level, a belief that was solidified by their victory over one of the league’s premier programs.

For McPhee-McCuin, the turning point is not just a one-time event—it’s a mindset. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “We have the pieces, and we’re going to keep working to put them together.”

As Ole Miss continues its journey under McPhee-McCuin, the victory at Mississippi State will stand as a reminder of what the team is capable of, and it may just be the spark that ignites a new era of success for the Rebels.