Ole Miss women’s basketball defeated No. 18 Notre Dame 63-58 in a thrilling ACC/SEC Challenge matchup on December 4, 2025. The 13th-ranked Rebels improved to a perfect 7-0 record with the narrow victory at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion in Oxford.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Ole Miss remained undefeated after defeating ranked Notre Dame 63-58 on December 4, 2025
- Cotie McMahon led the Rebels with 22 points on efficient 10-for-20 shooting
- Christeen Iwuala dominated the boards with 13 rebounds and contributed 16 points
- Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, nation’s second-leading scorer, recorded 24 points despite the loss
The Rebels Overcome Their Biggest Test Yet
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Ole Miss faced its first ranked opponent of the season in this high-stakes conference challenge. The Rebels entered halftime trailing 37-29 but mounted an impressive second-half comeback. The turning point came in the third quarter when Ole Miss outscored Notre Dame significantly, taking their first lead with under a minute remaining in the period.
Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin‘s squad displayed resilience and defensive intensity throughout the contest. The Rebels’ defensive pressure forced Notre Dame into 12 turnovers while Ole Miss managed 15 turnovers. Controlling the glass was crucial as Ole Miss dominated the rebounding battle with 41 total rebounds to Notre Dame’s 27.
McMahon and Iwuala Lead the Charge to Victory
| Category | Ole Miss Leader | Notre Dame Leader |
| Scoring | Cotie McMahon – 22 Points | Hannah Hidalgo – 24 Points |
| Rebounds | Christeen Iwuala – 13 Rebounds | Malaya Cowles – 5 Rebounds |
| Assists | Sira Thienou – 7 Assists | Vanessa de Jesus – 6 Assists |
| Field Goal % | 38 Percent | 42 Percent |
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McMahon was the primary offensive weapon for Ole Miss, hitting 10 of 20 shots from the field with 2 three-pointers. The junior forward established herself as a clutch presence down the stretch. Meanwhile, Iwuala controlled the paint throughout the game, recording her third double-double in recent contests and providing essential defensive anchor presence.
Hannah Hidalgo’s Star Power Cannot Overcome Ole Miss Defense
Hannah Hidalgo, who entered the game averaging 27 points per game and leading the nation with 6.2 steals, was held in check during crucial moments. Despite her 24-point performance on 8-for-20 shooting, the senior guard could not lead Notre Dame past the resilient Rebels. The Fighting Irish struggled with their three-point shooting, making just 5 of 15 attempts from beyond the arc.
“This is the Rebels’ first 7-0 start since Coach Yo took the head job at Ole Miss.”
— Yahoo Sports, College Basketball Coverage
What Does This Victory Mean for Ole Miss’ Title Aspirations?
This victory over a ranked opponent solidifies Ole Miss as a legitimate contender in the SEC this season. Coming off the Coast 2 Coast Classic where the Rebels defeated Wisconsin and George Mason, the team has proven it can win in high-pressure situations. The win maintains Ole Miss’ perfect record heading into upcoming matchups against Kansas State, Wofford, and South Carolina State later in December.
Coach McPhee-McCuin‘s squad has positioned itself as an unexpected threat within the conference, with leading scorers McMahon (17.7 PPG) and Iwuala (17.4 PPG) providing consistent offensive weapons. The team’s defensive improvements, particularly their ability to force turnovers and control rebounding, give them confidence moving forward this season.
Sources
- ESPN – Final score and box score statistics from December 4, 2025 game
- The Clarion Ledger – Live updates and game analysis coverage
- CBS Sports – Game tracker and player performance data
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.