Full Breakdown
LSU Women's Basketball Overcomes Ole Miss in Fourth-Quarter Surge
2/20/2026, 11:56:30 AM
Game Overview: LSU's Comeback Victory
On February 19, 2026, the No. 7 LSU Tigers defeated the No. 17 Ole Miss Rebels 78-70 in a Southeastern Conference matchup held at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion in Oxford, Mississippi. The victory marked a significant comeback for LSU, which trailed by nine points entering the fourth quarter. MiLaysia Fulwiley led LSU with a career-high 26 points, contributing to a decisive 24-7 scoring run in the final period.
Key Performances and Game Dynamics
Fulwiley's performance was pivotal, as she scored 22 of her points in the second half, helping LSU recover from a 63-54 deficit at the start of the fourth quarter. Flau’jae Johnson also played a crucial role, adding 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists before fouling out late in the game. For Ole Miss, Cotie McMahon led the scoring with 25 points, marking her 17th game of 20 or more points this season. The Rebels also saw contributions from Christeen Iwuala and Latasha Lattimore, who scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The game began with LSU taking an early lead, but Ole Miss quickly responded, leading 43-37 at halftime. The Rebels extended their lead to 13 points in the third quarter, but LSU's defense tightened, allowing them to close the gap.
Fourth Quarter Breakdown
The fourth quarter proved disastrous for Ole Miss, as they shot 0-for-17 from the field, with their only points coming from free throws. LSU capitalized on this offensive drought, outscoring Ole Miss 24-7 in the final period. Coach Kim Mulkey emphasized the importance of defense in the comeback, stating, "I think two things keep you in the ball game: rebounding and defense."
Official Statements & Responses
After the game, Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin attributed the loss to fatigue, noting that her team was playing its third game in five days. "We ran out of gas," she said, acknowledging the impact of their recent schedule on performance. McMahon echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in her team's effort despite the loss.
Conversely, Mulkey praised Fulwiley's speed and impact on the game, stating, "She’s just so quick, and she makes everybody else play quicker." This speed was crucial in transitioning from defense to offense, allowing LSU to capitalize on Ole Miss's mistakes.
What's Next for Both Teams
Following this matchup, LSU improved to 23-4 overall and 9-4 in the SEC, while Ole Miss fell to 21-7 and 8-5 in conference play. LSU will next face Missouri on February 22, while Ole Miss prepares for a challenging game against No. 3 South Carolina on February 23.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought we were getting a lot of transition baskets. It starts with MiLaysia. She's just so quick, and it makes everyone else play quicker.” — Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU
- “I'm not taking anything away from LSU, but we ran out of gas,” — Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Head Coach, Ole Miss
- “I feel like I'm really proud of this team, given the circumstances,” — Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss Player
This game highlighted the resilience of LSU and the challenges faced by Ole Miss, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the SEC season.
