Will Ole Miss Women's Basketball Star Cotie McMahon Be a First-Round Pick in 2026 WNBA Draft? Less than a month after the Ole Miss women’s basketball season concluded in the NCAA Tournament, Cotie McMahon is shifting her focus to the 2026 WNBA Draft. The standout player, who led her team with stellar performances, will attend the draft on April 13 at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York. The event, broadcast live on ESPN at 6 p.m. CT, will feature 15 prospects, including McMahon, marking her third consecutive year as an Ole Miss player selected in the draft. If drafted, McMahon would join a select group of Ole Miss athletes chosen during coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s tenure, becoming the program’s ninth overall draft pick. McMahon’s draft projections have positioned her as a strong contender for a first-round selection. ESPN’s latest mock draft places her as the No. 9 pick, with the Washington Mystics expected to select her. The Athletic projects her as the No. 14 pick for the Seattle Storm, while USA TODAY and CBS Sports both anticipate the Connecticut Sun taking her with the No. 15 pick, the final selection of the first round. This projection aligns with predictions from The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated, which also place her at No. 15 for the Sun. However, Bleacher Report’s mock draft diverges slightly, projecting McMahon as a second-round pick, though she would still end up with the Sun at No. 18. McMahon’s season performance has solidified her status as a top prospect. She averaged career-highs in points and assists, scoring 19.5 points per game—ranking third in the SEC—and dishing out 3.0 assists per game, a team-leading stat for Ole Miss. Her contributions extended beyond scoring and playmaking, as she also recorded 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.#ole_miss #seattle_storm #wnba_draft #cotie_mcmahon #the_shed_at_hudson_yards
Cotie McMahon Projected to Connecticut Sun in Final WNBA Mock Draft at No. 15 The 2026 WNBA Draft, set to begin in New York on Monday, April 13, has generated significant anticipation as teams finalize their strategies for the upcoming season. While the first overall pick has remained uncertain, recent developments in free agency have narrowed the focus for the Dallas Wings, who are expected to select UConn guard Azzi Fudd at No. 1. Other candidates for the top spot include Spanish forward Awa Fam, UCLA center Lauren Betts, and TCU guard Olivia Miles. However, the spotlight has shifted to Ole Miss standout Cotie McMahon, whose projected selection in USA TODAY’s final mock draft highlights her potential impact on the league. McMahon, a versatile forward with a strong offensive skill set, is anticipated to be chosen at No. 15 overall by the Connecticut Sun. The Sun’s selection of McMahon aligns with their need for a dynamic wing player capable of contributing immediately. McMahon’s ability to score from midrange, drive to the basket, and create space for teammates makes her a valuable asset for a team looking to strengthen its offensive options. Her high-energy playstyle and adaptability to different roles—whether as a wing or forward—position her as a key addition to the Sun’s roster. The mock draft, which incorporates potential trades and protections, reflects the evolving landscape of the WNBA. McMahon’s projected pick at No. 15 underscores her status as a first-round talent, despite the competition from other top prospects. Her performance at Ole Miss, where she averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc, has solidified her reputation as a well-rounded player.#ole_miss #azzi_fudd #wnba_draft #connecticut_sun #cotie_mcmahon
Washington Mystics Select Ole Miss' Cotie McMahon in 2026 WNBA Draft The Washington Mystics have selected Ole Miss women’s basketball standout Cotie McMahon with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, marking a significant addition to the team’s roster. McMahon, a 6-foot forward from Dayton, Ohio, became the fourth Ole Miss player drafted during coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s tenure and the ninth overall to be selected in the program’s history. The pick, announced on April 13, 2026, highlights McMahon’s rapid rise as a top-tier prospect following her standout performance in the 2025-26 season. McMahon’s college career saw her average 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, all career highs. She finished third in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in scoring and was named SEC Newcomer of the Year, earning a spot on the All-SEC first team. Her ability to thrive in the SEC, a league known for its physicality and competitive balance, underscored her readiness for the next level. McMahon’s contributions were pivotal for Ole Miss, as she helped the team navigate challenges while maintaining a high level of performance. The decision to draft McMahon was met with optimism, as her combination of scoring ability, playmaking, and physicality positioned her as a versatile asset for the Mystics. McPhee-McCuin, who has consistently emphasized the importance of pro-ready athletes, praised McMahon’s development, noting that she possesses the most refined physicality of any of her previous top WNBA prospects, including Madison Scott and Shakira Austin. This assessment highlights McMahon’s potential to adapt quickly to the demands of professional basketball. McMahon’s scoring prowess was a standout feature of her college career.#ole_miss #washington_mystics #cotie_mcmahon #yolett_mcpee_mcCuin #seattle_seattle
Mississippi State Faces Ole Miss in SEC Showdown #6 Mississippi State (21-4, 4-2 SEC) will take on #18 Ole Miss (19-7, 3-3 SEC) in a matchup at University Stadium in Oxford. The game is scheduled for 6:30 PM CT and will be streamed through the ESPN App. Fans can also listen to the official Mississippi State radio broadcast via HailState.com, the Hail State App, and regular Bulldog Baseball radio affiliates. The Bulldogs have made a change to their pitching rotation for the series opener, sending sophomore lefthander Charlie Foster (0-0, 5.11 ERA) to the mound in place of regular Friday night starter Ryan McPherson (3-0, 2.45 ERA). Foster, who began the season as a weekend starter, was moved out of the rotation during a three-game series in Arlington, Texas, at the College Baseball Showdown at Globe Life Field. Foster has made eight appearances this season, including three starts, and has pitched 12.1 innings. In those outings, he has allowed seven earned runs on 13 hits while striking out 16 batters and walking 12. Opponents have managed a .265 batting average against him. The decision to start Foster marks a shift in strategy for Mississippi State, as the team looks to balance its pitching depth while adapting to the challenges of the SEC schedule. The matchup pits the Bulldogs against Ole Miss, a team with a strong record in the conference. With both squads vying for top rankings in the SEC, the game promises to be a competitive contest. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams’ standings and their prospects in the upcoming NCAA tournament. As the Bulldogs prepare for the challenge, the focus remains on executing their game plan and leveraging the strengths of their pitching staff.#ole_miss #mississippi_state #university_stadium #college_baseball_showdown #globe_life_field
No. 18 Baseball Set for Rivalry Battle With No. 6 Mississippi State This Weekend OXFORD, Miss. – No. 18 Ole Miss (19-7, 3-3 SEC) and No. 6 Mississippi State (21-4, 4-2 SEC) are set to clash this weekend in Oxford as ranked opponents for the first time since 2021. First pitch at Swayze Field on Friday is set for 6:30 p.m. while Saturday is set for 1:30 p.m. and Sunday is set for 3 p.m. Ole Miss dropped their midweek game against Memphis on Tuesday on the road, collecting just four hits in a 6-2 loss. The Rebels opened their home slate 16-0 before losing to Kentucky last Saturday. The 16-0 home start was the best in program history. Tristan Bissetta had two multi-home run games last week, hitting five home runs over four games. He hit his 12th and 13th home runs on Friday against Kentucky, becoming the fastest Rebel in program history to reach the 13-home run mark, doing it in just 23 games. Bissetta comes into the weekend ranked second in the SEC in home runs (14), second in total bases (85), third in hits (38), fourth in RBI (38), fourth in RBI per game (1.46), fourth in slugging percentage (.859). Judd Utermark is ranked fourth in the SEC in runs scored (32), sixth in runs per game (1.23), and ninth in home runs (10). Utermark and Bissetta have combined to hit 24 of Ole Miss’ 46 (52.2%) home runs this season. Dom Decker is ranked third in the SEC and 11th in the NCAA in walks with 28. He is averaging 1.08 walks per game. Hunter Elliott is ranked 13th in the SEC in strikeouts with 44 punchouts on the season. His K/9 sits at 12.77, which is 10th in the SEC. Ole Miss has pitched two shutouts this season, one against Ohio State and one against Kentucky. Taylor Rabe has worked the back end of both of those shutouts, taking over for the starting pitcher and closing out the game.#ole_miss #mississippi_state #tristan_bissetta #judd_uttermark #brian_ocker
Mississippi State vs Ole Miss score, Bulldogs rally in ninth inning Mississippi State baseball pulled off a dramatic late rally to defeat Ole Miss 5-4 in a tightly contested game on March 27 at Swayze Field. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 4, secured a crucial victory in the opening game of a three-game series against the No. 18 Rebels. The game featured a series of dramatic moments, including a game-winning RBI single in the ninth inning that turned on a defensive error. Ole Miss took an early lead in the bottom of the seventh when catcher Austin Fawley hit a three-run home run that barely cleared the left-field fence. The home run gave the Rebels a 4-3 advantage. Mississippi State, however, refused to fold. In the top of the ninth, the Bulldogs staged a comeback, scoring two runs to take the lead. Chone James, the game’s hero, reached third base on an error when Ole Miss right fielder Tristan Bissetta slipped on wet grass. James then drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing the victory for Mississippi State. The game was marked by defensive miscues and clutch hits. In the sixth inning, Mississippi State tied the game 4-4 after a bases-loaded hit that Ole Miss second baseman Dom Decker failed to catch. The Bulldogs’ resilience continued into the ninth, where their ability to capitalize on errors proved decisive. Pitching was another key factor. Ole Miss starter Hunter Elliott pitched 5⅓ innings, allowing three runs, but reliever Taylor Rabe (3-1) took the loss after giving up the game-tying run. Mississippi State’s Charlie Foster (2-1) was solid, surrendering just one earned run in 4⅔ innings. The Bulldogs’ offense, led by Noah Sullivan’s double in the fifth inning, kept the pressure on the Rebels throughout the game.#ole_miss #mississippi_state #austin_fawley #tristan_bissetta #dom_decker
Michigan State's Top March Madness Moments from the Last Decade Michigan State has remained a consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament for nearly three decades, with the 2026 season marking its 28th consecutive appearance. Over the past 10 tournaments, the Spartans have created several unforgettable memories, but three moments stand out as defining highlights. These moments reflect the program’s resilience, talent, and ability to overcome challenges in the high-stakes environment of March Madness. The "Carr Wash" Dunk (2025) One of the most recent and electrifying moments came in the 2025 Sweet 16 matchup against Ole Miss. With the game in its final minutes and Michigan State trailing by one point, the Spartans found themselves in a critical moment. A pivotal play unfolded when Jeremy Fears Jr. leapt to deflect a pass, knocking down Ole Miss’ Sean Pedulla in the process. The loose ball was immediately secured by Coen Carr, who launched a highlight-reel dunk that shifted momentum in favor of Michigan State. The dunk, dubbed the "Carr Wash" by CBS analyst Ian Eagle, became the defining moment of the game, propelling the Spartans to their first Elite Eight appearance since 2019. Carr’s athleticism and the play’s dramatic impact made it a standout moment in the tournament. Run to the Final Four as a 7 Seed (2015) The 2015 tournament remains one of the most surprising runs in MSU history. As a No. 7 seed, the Spartans defied expectations by reaching the Final Four, marking the lowest seed to ever advance that far. The journey began with an upset over No. 10 seed Georgia, followed by a thrilling victory over second-seeded Virginia. In the Sweet 16, they defeated third-seeded Oklahoma, and then topped fourth-seeded Louisville in the Elite Eight.#ole_miss #michigan_state #jeremy_fears_jr #coen_carr #ian_eagle
Chris Beard, Ole Miss coach credits streakhouse in win vs Georgia Ole Miss basketball coach Chris Beard credited a Nashville steakhouse with helping his team secure a dramatic victory over No. 10 Georgia in the second round of the SEC Tournament. The Rebels, seeded No. 15, edged the Bulldogs 76-72, advancing to the quarterfinals against No. 2 Alabama. Beard’s pre-game promise to reward his players with a steak dinner at Halls Chophouse played a role in motivating his team during a pivotal moment in the game. With 3.9 seconds remaining in the contest, guard Kezza Giffa missed a critical free throw that would have given Ole Miss a three-point lead. Georgia called a timeout to ice Giffa ahead of his second attempt. Beard, known for his calm demeanor, opted to speak directly to Giffa during the timeout. “I said, ‘Kez, look. Big shot here. I really want that shrimp cocktail here in about 45 minutes,’” Beard recalled. Giffa made the free throw, sealing the win and earning praise from Beard, who thanked Halls Chophouse for “helping us get the victory tonight.” The game was far from a straightforward victory. Ole Miss built a 23-point lead in the second half, only for Georgia to mount a furious comeback. The Bulldogs cut the deficit to 60-58 with 6:14 remaining, forcing the Rebels into a high-pressure situation. Despite the tension, Ole Miss remained composed. Guard Travis Perry described the team’s mindset as “calm” during the huddle, noting that the players understood the importance of staying focused. Perry scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds, contributing to the team’s resilience. Ole Miss’s success in the tournament is historic. The team, which entered the SEC Tournament having lost 12 of its past 13 games, became the first No. 15 seed to win two games since the tournament expanded to 16 teams.#ole_miss #chris_beard #halls_chophouse #kezza_giffa #travis_perry
Did Auburn basketball blow its chance at the NCAA tournament? The 2026 SEC basketball tournament saw Auburn’s potential NCAA tournament bid slip away as the Tigers fell to Tennessee in a dramatic second-round matchup. The loss marked a pivotal moment for the program, leaving them with a 17-16 record and a 7-11 SEC mark despite facing one of the toughest schedules in the country. With a win over the Volunteers, Auburn would have secured its place in the tournament, potentially bypassing Dayton in the bracket. Instead, the Tigers’ collapse in the final minutes of the game left them in a precarious position, raising questions about whether their season had already been derailed. The tournament’s chaos began earlier in the day as Miami (OH)’s undefeated streak came to an end in the MAC tournament. The Red Hawks’ 31-game winning streak was broken by UMass, sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape. While the MAC upset had little direct impact on the SEC, it indirectly affected the tournament’s bubble teams. Auburn, Missouri, and Texas had relied on Miami’s success to bolster their NCAA chances, but the loss left them scrambling. Missouri, which had already lost to Kentucky in the SEC’s second round, now joined Texas as a team that failed to secure its bid. Auburn’s collapse against Tennessee was emblematic of the Tigers’ struggles this season. Up by double digits early in the game, the Tigers allowed a 22-2 run by the Volunteers, which proved insurmountable. The final score of 72-62 underscored the gap in execution, with Auburn’s defense unable to contain Tennessee’s offense. The loss left the Tigers with a slim chance of making the NCAA tournament, as their record and schedule would need to impress the selection committee. Meanwhile, Ole Miss and Oklahoma emerged as standout performers in the tournament.#ole_miss #tennessee #dayton #auburn #sec_basketball_tournament
Ole Miss 76-72 Georgia (Mar 12, 2026) Game Recap NASHVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15 seed Ole Miss pulled off a stunning upset in the SEC Tournament’s second round, defeating seventh-seeded Georgia 76-72 on Thursday. The Rebels, who entered the game with a 14-19 record and had lost 12 of their previous 13 games, extended their tournament winning streak to two games after a strong first-round victory over Texas. AJ Storr led Ole Miss with 19 points, while Malik Dia added 17 to pace the Rebels’ offense. Travis Perry chipped in 16 points, and James Scott recorded 13 rebounds, seven points, and three blocks. Ilias Kamardine contributed eight points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals. For Georgia, Kanon Catchings scored 19 points, grabbed six rebounds, and recorded three steals, but the Bulldogs struggled offensively in the second half. The game took a dramatic turn in the second half as Georgia mounted a late rally. After trailing by as many as 23 points at halftime, the Bulldogs launched a 22-2 run in the final 7.5 minutes. Cain, Justin Bailey, and Jeremiah Wilkinson hit three 3-pointers within an 84-second span, culminating in a dunk by Dylan James that cut Ole Miss’ lead to 60-58. Perry answered with a 3-pointer, but Wilkinson and Catchings made back-to-back layups to keep Georgia within striking distance. Storr then scored eight consecutive points to seal the victory for Ole Miss. Ole Miss’ dominance in the first half was fueled by a stifling defensive performance. The Rebels held Georgia to just 26% shooting from the field and 8% from beyond the arc in the second half. The Bulldogs also committed 10 turnovers in their lowest-scoring half of the season. Storr’s highlight-reel steal and layup midway through the first half gave Ole Miss a 34-20 lead, setting the tone for the rest of the game.#sec_tournament #georgia #alabama #ole_miss #nashville_tenn
South Carolina Men's Basketball Concludes Regular Season at Ole Miss South Carolina men’s basketball will wrap up its regular season on Saturday as the Gamecocks face Ole Miss at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion. The game is set for 1 p.m. ET on the SEC Network, with play-by-play commentator Mike Morgan and analyst Rodney Terry providing coverage. The matchup marks the Gamecocks’ fourth consecutive visit to Oxford, where they have secured three straight victories since a 77-74 overtime win on February 15, 2022. The Gamecocks, currently 12-18 overall and 3-14 in the SEC, aim to build momentum ahead of the SEC Tournament after a three-game losing streak. Their recent loss to No. 23/25 Tennessee on Senior Night highlighted a challenging stretch, but they remain optimistic. Meechie Johnson led the team with 20 points, four assists, two rebounds, and a steal, while Nordin Kapic contributed 13 points off the bench. Mike Sharavjamts surpassed 1,000 career points in the game, joining Kobe Knox and Myles Stute as players to achieve this milestone this season. Johnson’s performance has been standout, with a career-best 12 games scoring 20 or more points, 10 of which came in SEC action. This places him tied for third in the league with Auburn’s Keyshawn Hall. Since 2004-05, only Devan Downey (2010) and Sindarius Thornwell (2017) have matched this feat. Johnson’s 19.8 points per game in SEC contests rank him among the top four players in the conference in scoring and assists. His 17.3 points per game overall position him as a potential candidate to become just the 12th player in program history to average 17.0 points per game in a season. South Carolina’s free throw shooting has been a key strength, with the team shooting 78.6% (508-of-646) through 30 games.#ole_miss #south_carolina_mens_basketball #meechie_johnson #mike_sharavjamts #kobe_knox
Men's Basketball Hosts South Carolina for Regular Season Finale Ole Miss men’s basketball will conclude its regular season with a home matchup against South Carolina on Saturday, March 7, at noon in the SJB Pavilion. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network, marking the Rebels’ final home contest of the year. The matchup pits Ole Miss (12-18, 4-13 SEC) against South Carolina (12-18, 3-14 SEC), with both teams entering the game with identical overall records but differing conference performances. Head coach Chris Beard, in his third season at Ole Miss, has guided the team to a 56-42 record at the school, while South Carolina’s Lamont Paris, in his fourth season with the Gamecocks, has compiled a 61-67 record. Paris was recently named SEC Coach of the Year in 2024 after leading South Carolina to a 26-win season. The series between Ole Miss and South Carolina dates back to 1960, with the Rebels holding a 26-24 edge in the all-time matchup. The teams last met on February 12, 2025, when Ole Miss won 72-68 at Columbia, S.C., with Malik Dia leading the charge with 18 points and Collin Murray-Boyles tallying 20 points for South Carolina. South Carolina’s season has been marked by inconsistency, with the team posting wins over LSU, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State in SEC play but losing three consecutive games to Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee. The Gamecocks rank 110th in the NET and 98th in KenPom, reflecting their struggles in the conference. Key contributors include Meechie Johnson, who averages 17.3 points per game and leads the team in free throws made (163), and Mike Sharavjamts, who averages 5.4 rebounds per game. South Carolina’s defensive strengths include a 31.9 three-point percentage defense and a 9.8 turnover per game average, though they rank 99th in three-point attempts.#south_carolina #ole_miss #sec_network #chris_beard #lamont_paris
South Carolina to Face Ole Miss in Regular Season Finale South Carolina will conclude its regular season with a matchup against Ole Miss in Oxford on Saturday. The Gamecocks, with a record of 12-18 overall and 3-14 in conference play, are set to take on the Rebels, who carry a 12-18 record and 4-13 conference mark. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on SEC Network, with play-by-play commentator Mike Morgan and analyst Rodney Terry providing coverage. The Gamecocks entered the game following a 78-59 loss to Tennessee in their final home contest of the season on Tuesday. Ole Miss, meanwhile, had recently suffered a 89-86 defeat at home to Vanderbilt. This Saturday’s matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams this season. Live streaming options and real-time statistics will be available for fans unable to attend in person. The game thread will be updated as the contest progresses, offering insights and updates throughout the match.#south_carolina #ole_miss #oxford #sec_network #mike_morgan
College Hoops: Bubble Teams in Panic Mode, Todd Golden vs. John Calipari and More With Selection Sunday fast approaching, teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble are scrambling to secure their spots. The final Saturday in February became a pivotal day for teams teetering on the edge of qualification, as every game carried significant weight. The margins for error have narrowed dramatically, and results from this weekend could determine whether some teams make it to the tournament while others are left out. Auburn stands out as the most vulnerable team in the bubble. The Tigers, who entered the season with one of the toughest schedules in the country, have struggled to translate their difficult slate into wins. A 85-79 loss to 12-17 Ole Miss at home dropped them to 15-14 overall, putting them in serious danger of missing the tournament after a Final Four appearance last year. Despite strong metrics like KenPom suggesting they should be in, their record has not been good enough to guarantee a bid. Auburn still has a chance to salvage their season with games against LSU and Alabama in the final week, but the window is closing rapidly. The weekend’s action saw several teams solidify their tournament chances. Missouri, after defeating Mississippi State 88-64 on the road, is now above .500 against the top two quadrants. Their strong performances against Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee, combined with a lack of bad losses, have positioned them as a lock for the tournament. Similarly, Texas secured a crucial road win over Texas A&M, though they face a challenging final week. In the Mountain West, San Diego State and New Mexico delivered a thrilling showdown in Albuquerque. The Lobos edged the Aztecs 81-76 in a game marked by high intensity, with Luke Haupt’s clutch 3-pointer sealing the victory.#texas #ole_miss #missouri #auburn #san_diego_state
