WACO, Texas – Making its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament, fifth-seeded Ole Miss women's basketball will begin its 2025 journey against 12th-seeded Ball State in the Forster Pavilion on Friday, March 21.
The game is set for 5:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPNU.
The Rebels are in search of their third consecutive opening game win in the tournament and the 14th in the program's history. The matchup will be the first-ever encounter between Ole Miss and Ball State.
With a record of 20-10 and a 10-6 showing in the SEC, Ole Miss is coached by Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who is in her seventh season at the helm of the Rebels, boasting a 123-94 record at the school and a 217-157 career record.
Ball State comes into this matchup with an impressive 27-7 record, including a 16-2 finish in the MAC, under head coach Brady Sallee, the winningest coach in the school's history with a 264-154 record over 13 seasons.
Ole Miss is making its 21st appearance in the NCAA Tournament, marking its fourth consecutive year in this prestigious competition, an achievement not accomplished in the program since the 1989-1992 seasons.
The Rebels are seeded as a No. 5 for only the third time in school history, and the first since 1994, with a 3-2 all-time record as a fifth seed, having reached the Sweet 16 in the 1989-90 season.
Coach McPhee-McCuin has brought significant success, guiding Ole Miss to be one of only six teams in the SEC to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in each of the last four years, alongside prominent programs like LSU and South Carolina.
In terms of individual accolades, Madison Scott, who has been recognized as the best women's basketball player in Mississippi by winning the Gillom Trophy, will lead Ole Miss. Aside from the Gillom Trophy, Scott has earned All-SEC Second Team honors and has been a critical player in the Rebels’ success.
Freshman Sira Thienou has also shone in her inaugural season, making history by being named to the All-Freshman Team, marking a significant achievement for Ole Miss basketball.
Ball State's excellent season was highlighted by a dominant MAC Tournament run, where they claimed the conference title with a 65-58 victory over Toledo, despite entering as the No. 1 seed. This led to their return to the national tournament for the first time since 2009.
Brady Sallee’s squad is recognized for its strong defense, leading the MAC in blocks and defensive field goal percentage. The Cardinals are expected to challenge Ole Miss with a scoring average of 72.7 points per game, showcasing defensive prowess tied to converting defensive plays into scoring opportunities efficiently.
Alex Richard and Ally Becki are the primary offensive weapons for the Cardinals, contributing significantly to Ball State's scoring efforts. Becki, the MAC Player of the Year, leads in assists and steals while also being a scoring leader on the team.
This encounter not only offers Ole Miss a chance to extend its success in the tournament but also presents Ball State with an invaluable opportunity to make a mark against a formidable opponent. The Rebels hold a slight edge over MAC programs with a 4-3 record.
As the tournament unfolds, the excitement builds as both teams look to leave their mark and move ahead in the competition.
Fans can connect with the Rebels through their social media platforms and catch the action live on ESPNU.
