In the famous words of Michael Jordan, “i’m back”! Ole Miss women’s basketball player Sira Thienou announced her return ahead of the first round of the NCAA tournament.
A huge boost for Coach Yo and Ole Miss, the Rebels will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota Friday to take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA tournament at 2:30 p.m. CT.
The game will mark the first appearance for Thienou since February 17, against Tennessee. Sidelined with a “bone bruise”, the star sophomore was absent throughout the last four regular season games, and the entire SEC tournament for the Rebels.
Thienou averaged 9.3 ppg, and 5.6 rebounds per game before her injury, and her absence has been noticeable on both ends for Ole Miss. A premier scorer and defender, Thienou provides aggressiveness on the offensive end that will allow the Rebel’s offense to flow more freely. Also leading the team in steals averaging 1.6 per game, Thienou’s ability to read the passing lanes and be a pest against ball handlers will be a big boost for Ole Miss going into the tournament.
Thienou was named to the SEC-All Freshman Team last season, providing stellar performances throughout the season for the Rebels.
After a strong performance in the SEC tournament, Ole Miss earned a No.5 ranking in the NCAA tournament. With a win against Gonzaga, Ole Miss would advance and take on the winner of Minnesota vs Green Bay.