The Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball team isn’t just winning—they’re dominating. On Thursday, November 28, 2025, the No. 13-ranked Rebels (per HottyToddy.com) crushed the University of Wisconsin Badgers 98-67 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, extending their perfect season to 6-0. The win wasn’t just another victory; it was a statement. Led by Christeen Iwuala’s 20-point explosion, Ole Miss outscored their opponents by a jaw-dropping 505-305 through six games, a margin of nearly 33 points per contest. And the best part? The bench is carrying just as much weight as the starters.
A Bench That Changes the Game
Most teams rely on their starters to carry the load. Not Ole Miss. Their reserves are averaging 29.6 points per game—among the highest in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, according to George Mason University’s athletics department. That depth isn’t just impressive; it’s disruptive. Opponents gas out in the second half, and the Rebels keep coming. Against Wisconsin, five players scored in double figures, and seven different Rebels found the scoring column. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective. This isn’t a one-star team—it’s a five-star machine with no weak links.
From Mississippi to Daytona: A Journey of Dominance
Ole Miss, founded in 1848 and based in Oxford, Mississippi, has never had a start like this in recent memory. Their wins so far have come against Norfolk State University, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Southern University, University of Memphis, Longwood University, and now Wisconsin. Each win came by double digits. Each win felt like a warning. The Rebels aren’t just beating teams—they’re redefining what’s possible for a program that’s often overshadowed by SEC powerhouses like LSU and South Carolina.
The Next Challenge: George Mason’s Quiet Force
On Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Ole Miss faces their toughest test yet: the George Mason Patriots. The Patriots, from Fairfax, Virginia, enter the game at 5-3—solid, but not spectacular. What makes them dangerous? Defense. Latasha Lattimore, George Mason’s 6-foot-2 forward, leads her team with 7 total blocks this season and averages 6.5 points. She’s not a scorer, but she’s a game-changer. Her presence in the paint forces shooters to alter their shots, and she’s the anchor of a defense that’s held four opponents under 60 points.
For Ole Miss, this isn’t just another tournament game. It’s a measuring stick. The Rebels have steamrolled mid-majors and Big Ten teams alike. But George Mason plays with grit, discipline, and a chip on their shoulder. They’re not ranked. They don’t have star power. But they’ve beaten two Power Five teams already this season. And they’re hungry.
Why This Matters Beyond the Win Column
Ole Miss competes in the Southeastern Conference, one of the toughest basketball leagues in the country. Their non-conference schedule was designed to build confidence—and it has. But now, the real test begins. A 6-0 start like this hasn’t happened since 2018, when the Rebels opened 8-0 before falling in the NCAA tournament. This year, they’ve got the depth, the defense, and the poise to go further. A win over George Mason wouldn’t just keep them perfect—it would send a message to the rest of the NCAA: Ole Miss is a contender.
The Ocean Center, a 200,000-square-foot arena with 10,000 seats, has become an unlikely hub for early-season buzz. With no fans from either team in attendance, the crowd has been mostly neutral—just a few hundred locals, a smattering of scouts, and a handful of reporters. But the energy? Electric. The Rebels play with a rhythm that’s hard to describe. It’s not just skill—it’s belief.
What’s Next? The Road to March
After Saturday’s game, Ole Miss returns home for a December 3 clash with Arkansas-Pine Bluff, then faces a brutal stretch: LSU on December 10, Alabama on December 15, and Florida on December 19. If they stay undefeated through that gauntlet, they’ll enter SEC play as a legitimate top-5 team. And if they beat George Mason? The NCAA selection committee will be watching. This isn’t just about wins. It’s about perception. It’s about respect.
Meanwhile, George Mason—coached by the steady hand of a staff that’s rebuilt the program from obscurity—knows this is their chance to prove they belong among the mid-major elite. A win over a top-15 team? That’s the kind of resume-builder that gets you into the NCAA tournament when you’re not in a Power Five conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ole Miss’s 6-0 start compare to past seasons?
Ole Miss hasn’t opened a season 6-0 since 2018, when they began 8-0 before falling in the NCAA tournament. Their current 505-305 scoring margin is the best in program history over a six-game span, surpassing even their 2016 SEC Tournament run. This team has more depth, better ball movement, and stronger defensive discipline than any recent iteration.
Why is the Ocean Center hosting this tournament?
The Ocean Center in Daytona Beach was chosen as a neutral site for the Coast 2 Coast Classic to give mid-major programs like George Mason and Ole Miss a chance to play high-level non-conference games without long travel. It’s also a cost-effective venue with modern facilities, and Florida’s climate makes it ideal for November tournaments. The event is organized by a third-party promoter, not the NCAA.
Who is Christeen Iwuala, and why is she so important?
Christeen Iwuala, a 5’10” junior guard from Atlanta, is Ole Miss’s leading scorer at 18.2 points per game. She’s not just a shooter—she drives, draws fouls, and distributes. Her 20-point performance against Wisconsin was her third straight 20-point game. Opponents have struggled to contain her because she’s unpredictable: she’ll pull up from 25 feet, drive left, or kick out to an open teammate. She’s the engine of their offense.
How does George Mason’s Latasha Lattimore impact the game?
Latasha Lattimore doesn’t score much, but she alters everything. With 7 blocks in eight games, she’s one of the top shot-blockers in the Atlantic 10. Her presence deters drives, forces jump shots, and creates transition opportunities. When she’s on the floor, George Mason’s opponents shoot 38% from the field—when she’s off, it jumps to 47%. She’s the defensive heartbeat of a team that thrives on discipline over star power.
What’s the significance of Ole Miss’s bench scoring?
Averaging nearly 30 bench points per game puts Ole Miss in the top 10 nationally. Most teams rely on 6-7 starters; the Rebels use 9-10 players regularly. This prevents fatigue, reduces injuries, and keeps defenses guessing. It also means coaches can rotate players without losing momentum—a luxury few programs have. This depth could be the difference in a tight NCAA tournament game.
Will this win help Ole Miss in the NCAA tournament selection process?
Absolutely. The NCAA selection committee values strength of schedule and quality wins. Beating Wisconsin, a Big Ten team with a 2024 NCAA tournament appearance, adds legitimacy. A win over George Mason—a team with two Power Five wins—would further solidify their resume. If they stay undefeated through December, they’ll be a top-10 seed lock, regardless of SEC performance.
