BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The No. 5/6-ranked Vanderbilt women’s basketball team embarks on an extended road trip this Friday, facing No. 17/17 Ole Miss in a highly anticipated neutral-site clash at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The game is set to tip off at 2 p.m. CT and will be streamed live on SEC Network+.
Fans are welcome to join the action at Legacy Arena, where admission is free and general seating will be available. Doors will open at 1 p.m. CT. This matchup was rescheduled from its original date due to icy conditions in Oxford, Mississippi, marking Vanderbilt’s first neutral-site game against an SEC opponent since 1979.
The Commodores have had an impressive season, boasting a record of 20-1, which ties the best start in the program’s history through the first 21 games, matching the 1992-93 Final Four team. Vanderbilt sits at 6-1 in SEC play, a feat not seen since the 2008-09 season. With a solid 9-1 record in road and neutral-site competitions, the team has also set a program record for six road victories in the current season.
Historically, Vanderbilt leads the series against Ole Miss 35-22, although the Rebels have had the upper hand in their last five encounters. Under head coach Shea Ralph, the Commodores have struggled against Ole Miss, holding an 0-5 record. However, they have a perfect 6-0 mark against the Rebels in neutral-site games, with their last triumph occurring at the 2016 SEC Tournament.
The upcoming game will showcase notable players for the Commodores. Senior Jada Brown has been a consistent performer from beyond the arc, leading the team with 20 three-pointers off the bench this season. Meanwhile, sophomore Mikayla Blakes enters this weekend with a remarkable 40-game streak of scoring in double digits, the second longest in Vanderbilt’s history. Graduate Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda is also making waves, shooting an impressive 39.0 percent from three-point range during her inaugural season with the Commodores.
On the other side, Ole Miss boasts a strong overall record of 17-4 and a 4-2 standing in the SEC. Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s squad recently secured a convincing 82-61 victory over Missouri and features standout players such as Cotie McMahon, who leads the team with 19.4 points per game.
With both teams eager to enhance their postseason credentials, this matchup promises to deliver an exciting and competitive atmosphere. As Vanderbilt continues to build on its strong season, the Commodores are looking to turn the tide against Ole Miss and extend their winning ways in this high-stakes encounter.