On Sunday, the Ole Miss women’s basketball team earned their spot in the 2026 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, set to face off against No. 12 seed Gonzaga in the Minnesota regional.
This marks their fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament—a significant achievement for the program.
After the announcement, head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin shared her excitement with the media.
“This time of year will never get tiring for me,” McPhee-McCuin expressed. “I woke up with butterflies this morning. I have been restless for the last 48 hours. Really glad to see where we will be and who we will be playing. For a coach, you are on, or you are off, and since we had a week, you aren’t really off, I was still itching to find an opponent to scout against.
The Rebels are set to take on Gonzaga, who boasts a record of 24-9 and finished strong with a 14-4 tally in the West Coast Conference (WCC). They clinched the WCC title by defeating Oregon State 76-66 on March 10.
“Now that we know that it is Gonzaga, I know Lisa (Fortier) really well,” McPhee-McCuin said. “I have been a part of the WCC back in the day. Just really excited to see her. She is a cancer savior, and I have a lot of love and respect for her, and I’m really happy they were able to win the WCC.”
In their previous encounter during last year’s NCAA Tournament, Ole Miss triumphed over Gonzaga with a decisive score of 71-48 en route to reaching the Sweet 16.
“We have played Gonzaga before and are really looking forward to the challenge,” McPhee-McCuin added.
This season has not been without its trials for Ole Miss—navigating an ice storm and packing four games into just eight days tested their resilience.
“I think any team that makes the NCAA Tournament is equipped,” she said. “For us, we have been through so much, four games in eight days and three games in a row. In the SEC Tournament against the best of the best after the first round.”
When they take to the court against Gonzaga, expect Ole Miss to be at their best.
“Sira (Thienou) is in full form, as she has been practicing with us the past two days,” McPhee-McCuin said. “When I think about all the experience Jaylan, Tianna, and all those young ladies we were able to get, and now we have depth.”
The love and support from Oxford have always been crucial for Coach Yo since her remarkable journey began with winning the Women’s NIT Championship in the 2020-21 season.
“During the Covid year in Memphis,” McPhee-McCuin said. “I pulled up to my house with 50 people in my yard, just from the neighborhood, just celebrating me. I remember after the loss, I didn’t cry, but after seeing all those people and the love, I just broke down. It was tears of joy. Oxford is special, and I am a part of this community.”
As they gear up for battle against Gonzaga, excitement fills the air—both within and outside of Ole Miss basketball!
