The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss
14-5,4-2SEC
Florida
10-8,1-5SEC
Marquesha Davis Lifts Women’s Basketball Past Florida, 81-70
1/25/2024 | Women's Basketball
OXFORD, Miss. – Highlighted by the most points scored in a first half this season, Ole Miss had just enough gas left in the tank to halt a Florida comeback at the SJB Pavilion on Thursday, toppling the Gators 81-70. For the second time this season, Marquesha Davis pieced together her second 20-point game of the season, with a team-high 23 points.
With 48 points in the first half, Ole Miss (14-5, 4-2 SEC) held Florida (10-8, 1-5 SEC) at bay to grab its second win-in-a-row in conference play. Tying her career-best with 10 field goals en route to 23 points, Davis recorded her fifth straight game in double-figure scoring, while Madison Scott followed with 16 points. Dishing out a season-high eight assists, Kennedy Todd-Williams also carried the Rebels with a team-high nine rebounds and 11 points.
Jumping out on a 10-0 run from the tip, Ole Miss came rearing to go by holding Florida scoreless the first four minutes of action. Davis commanded the Rebel offense with six points and three rebounds in the opening frame. The fiery offense established a strong 28-14 lead over the Gators at the end of the first quarter, while shooting at a clip of 70.6%.
Controlling the tempo, Ole Miss' offense kept humming along while its shooting remained hot. The Rebels took advantage of Florida miscues, scoring 23 points in the first half alone off of Gator turnovers. A 6-0 scoring stretch from the Gators with four minutes remaining in the half, attempted to place pressure on the Rebels, yet Davis' strong play kept Ole Miss in motion. The Rebels offense persisted, expanding the lead 48-28 heading into the half.
The Ole Miss offense came out of the break quiet, entering a scoring slump to begin the third quarter. A breakaway layup from Todd-Williams ignited the Rebels to extend their lead.With under two minutes in the third, Collins sank two free throws to extend Ole Miss' lead to 17 heading into the final quarter.
The Gators weren't ready to give in yet, with another quick 6-0 run, yet Ole Miss remained strong on defense. Late in the fourth quarter, the Gators heightened the pace of play, but the Rebels capitalized on Florida's crucial last minute mistakes which ultimately granted Ole Miss with the 81-70 win.
Ole Miss remains at home, welcoming Tennessee to the SJB Pavilion on Sunday as the Rebels search to knock off the Lady Vols for the first time since 2017. Tip from Craddock Court is slated for 2:00 p.m CT, airing nationally on ESPN.
Follow the Rebels on X at @OleMissWBB, Facebook at Ole Miss WBB and on Instagram at Ole MissWBB. You can also follow head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin on X at @YolettMcCuin
