Auburn
Ole Miss
GREENVILLE, S.C. (03/04/2026) — The Ole Miss Rebels asserted their dominance from the opening tip, securing a decisive 73-57 victory over the Auburn Tigers on Wednesday at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
How It Happened
Ole Miss established control early and never relinquished it, jumping out to a commanding 12-1 lead to start the game. The Rebels' offense was firing on all cylinders in the first half, shooting an impressive 63 percent from the field to build a staggering 48-20 lead by halftime. While the Auburn Tigers showed resilience in the second half, outscoring the Rebels 37-25, the significant early deficit proved insurmountable. Auburn managed to create opportunities by forcing 22 turnovers from Ole Miss, but were only able to convert those into 16 points.
Turning Point
The game's pivotal moment occurred in the opening minutes. Ole Miss erupted with a 12-1 run that set the tone for the entire contest. This initial offensive burst, coupled with a stifling defense that held Auburn to just six points in the first quarter, created a gap that the Tigers could not close. The Rebels' first-half offensive efficiency, particularly their 63% shooting, solidified their advantage and effectively put the game out of reach before the second half began.
Star of the Game
Christeen Iwuala was the standout performer for the Ole Miss Rebels, delivering a dominant performance in the paint. Iwuala finished with 18 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting from the field and narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds. Her offensive efficiency and control of the boards were instrumental in the Rebels' victory. For the Auburn Tigers, Khady Leye was a bright spot in the loss, leading her team with 17 points and eight rebounds.
What It Means
For the Ole Miss Rebels, the victory snaps a four-game losing streak and provides a much-needed boost of momentum. The win also marks their first SEC Tournament victory over Auburn since 1993. The decisive nature of the win, fueled by a potent offensive first half, reaffirms their capability as a formidable team in the conference. For the Auburn Tigers, the loss concludes their SEC Tournament run. Despite a spirited second-half effort, their inability to recover from the early deficit highlights the challenge of competing against top-tier conference opponents. The game underscored the importance of a strong start, a lesson the Tigers will carry forward.