Ole Miss star Sira Thienou returns from injury, leads team to March Madness win

Sophomore guard Thienou had 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 blocks in first game back from bone bruise injury.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:18am

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Ole Miss women's basketball star Sira Thienou returned from a month-long injury absence to play a key role in the Rebels' 81-66 first-round NCAA Tournament win over Gonzaga. Thienou, a sophomore guard, had 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and a career-high 4 blocks in just 20 minutes of action, impressing her coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin with her immediate impact.

Why it matters

Thienou's return was crucial for Ole Miss, as her absence had decreased the team's defensive effectiveness in the final stretch of the regular season. Her presence helped the Rebels stifle Gonzaga's offense, including holding the WCC Freshman and Player of the Year Lauren Whittaker to just 8 points on 4-of-21 shooting.

The details

After missing the last four games of the regular season and the SEC Tournament due to a bone bruise, Thienou re-entered the Rebels' lineup and made an immediate impact. She credited her coaches and teammates for helping ease her transition back to the court after the time off. Despite playing just 20 minutes, Thienou was one of four Ole Miss players to score in double figures and tied for the team lead in rebounds.

  • Thienou suffered the bone bruise injury on February 17.
  • She missed the final four regular season games and the SEC Tournament.
  • Thienou returned for Ole Miss' 81-66 first-round NCAA Tournament win over Gonzaga on March 18.

The players

Sira Thienou

A sophomore guard for the Ole Miss women's basketball team who returned from a month-long injury absence to play a key role in the Rebels' NCAA Tournament win.

Yolett McPhee-McCuin

The head coach of the Ole Miss women's basketball team, who was impressed by Thienou's immediate impact in her return from injury.

Lauren Whittaker

The WCC Freshman and Player of the Year for Gonzaga, who was held to just 8 points on 4-of-21 shooting against the stifling Ole Miss defense led by Thienou.

Lisa Fortier

The head coach of the Gonzaga women's basketball team, who cited Ole Miss' size and physicality as a key difference in the game.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, my gosh, 12 points, eight rebounds, three steals, four blocks after a month off? … I'm a happy camper.”

— Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Head Coach, Ole Miss Women's Basketball

“It was good. I was excited and it felt really good to be back on the court with my teammates and having fun and do what I love.”

— Sira Thienou

“The team behind us, the coach, my teammates, they were wishing me (well) the time that I was out, just trying to make sure that I'm good. They did everything possible to make me ready.”

— Sira Thienou

“She just means a lot to us, and I think her sitting out and having a chance to watch the game has really helped her, and we're going to need her, so grateful to have her back.”

— Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Head Coach, Ole Miss Women's Basketball

What’s next

The Rebels will play No. 4 seed Minnesota in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 22.

The takeaway

Sira Thienou's immediate impact in her return from injury highlights the importance of depth and versatility for teams making a March Madness run. Her defensive presence was crucial in shutting down Gonzaga's offense, demonstrating the value of having a well-rounded roster to compete at the highest level.