Ole Miss
Texas
GREENVILLE, S.C. (03/07/2026) — The Texas Longhorns delivered a powerful offensive performance Saturday, defeating the Ole Miss Rebels 85-68 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Texas seized control from the opening tip and never relinquished it, leading wire-to-wire in a contest defined by superior shooting and ball movement.
The Longhorns were remarkably efficient, shooting 53% from the field and a blistering 50% from three-point range. Their offense, which generated 21 assists against just 13 turnovers, proved too much for a resilient Ole Miss squad that fought to stay in the game but ultimately could not match the scoring pace.
How It Happened
Texas established its dominance early, jumping out to a lead it would never surrender. Breya Cunningham opened the scoring with a layup just 21 seconds into the game, and first-quarter scoring from Cotie McMahon, including a 26-foot three-pointer, helped the Longhorns build a 22-16 advantage after one period.
Ole Miss made its first push early in the second quarter. A tip-in by Latasha Lattimore cut the deficit to just four points at 22-18. But Texas responded with authority. A critical 9-0 run, capped by a 24-foot three-pointer from Jordan Lee at the 7:11 mark, stretched the lead to 31-18. The Longhorns maintained that double-digit cushion for most of the half, taking a 42-32 lead into the locker room.
The third quarter belonged to the Rebels. Ole Miss mounted a furious comeback, chipping away at the Texas lead with timely shots. Latasha Lattimore connected on a pair of deep threes, keeping the Rebels within striking distance. The rally culminated in the most dramatic moment of the game, as Denim DeShields drained a 24-foot three-pointer at the buzzer, electrifying the Ole Miss faithful and cutting the Texas lead to a mere two points, 57-55, heading into the final frame.
Turning Point
The fourth quarter remained a tight, two-possession affair for over seven minutes. With Ole Miss threatening to complete the comeback, the Texas offense found another gear in the final three minutes. The decisive blow came with 2:28 on the clock when Madison Booker, on an assist from Rori Harmon, hit a deep 25-foot three-pointer to push the lead to 78-66. Just 48 seconds later, the same combination struck again, as Harmon found Jordan Lee for a 26-foot three that made the score 81-68 and effectively sealed the outcome.
Stars of the Game
While complete individual statistics were not finalized at the conclusion of the game, the Texas victory was a clear team effort. Madison Booker was a force, scoring crucial buckets late in the game, including the three-pointer that ignited the game-sealing run. Rori Harmon was the primary facilitator, repeatedly finding open teammates for high-percentage shots, as evidenced by her assists on the two clutch threes that put the game away. Jordan Lee and Cotie McMahon provided consistent scoring throughout the contest.
For Ole Miss, Latasha Lattimore and Denim DeShields carried the offensive load, particularly during the third-quarter rally. Their combined three-point shooting was instrumental in cutting a double-digit deficit down to a single possession and giving the Rebels a chance to win.
What It Means
For the Texas Longhorns, the victory is a showcase of their offensive potential. Executing with precision (21 assists on 33 made field goals) and shooting at a high clip, they demonstrated an ability to withstand a significant run from their opponent and close out a game with authority. The wire-to-wire win on a neutral court is a significant accomplishment.
For the Ole Miss Rebels, the loss is a painful end to a hard-fought battle. Their third-quarter comeback displayed immense grit and an ability to score in bunches. However, the disparity in offensive efficiency—the Rebels shot just 39% from the field and finished with seven assists to 14 turnovers—highlights the challenge they faced against a top-tier offensive opponent.