Ole Miss Women's Basketball Faces Minnesota in March Madness

Cotie McMahon's Big Ten experience gives Rebels an edge against new opponent

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Ole Miss women's basketball team, seeded 5th, will face the 4th-seeded Minnesota Golden Gophers in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Although the two teams have never played each other before, Ole Miss player Cotie McMahon's experience in the Big Ten conference could give the Rebels an advantage against their unfamiliar opponent.

Why it matters

This is the first time Ole Miss and Minnesota will meet in the NCAA Tournament, providing an intriguing new matchup for fans. McMahon's familiarity with Big Ten teams could prove crucial as the Rebels look to advance in the tournament against a tough Minnesota squad.

The details

Ole Miss earned a 5th seed after winning the SEC Tournament, while Minnesota secured a 4th seed by winning the Big Ten regular season title. Though the teams have never faced off, Ole Miss player Cotie McMahon spent four years in the Big Ten playing for Ohio State, giving her unique insight into Minnesota's style of play that could benefit the Rebels.

  • The Ole Miss vs Minnesota game will take place on March 22, 2026 at 1 p.m. CT.
  • This is the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

The players

Cotie McMahon

A senior guard for Ole Miss who previously played four years in the Big Ten conference for Ohio State.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

The 4th-seeded women's basketball team from the University of Minnesota, who won the Big Ten regular season title.

Ole Miss Rebels

The 5th-seeded women's basketball team from the University of Mississippi, who won the SEC Tournament to earn their NCAA Tournament berth.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The winner of the Ole Miss vs Minnesota game will advance to the Sweet Sixteen round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

The takeaway

Cotie McMahon's experience playing against Big Ten teams during her time at Ohio State could give Ole Miss a strategic advantage as they face an unfamiliar Minnesota squad in the NCAA Tournament. This intriguing new matchup will test both teams' abilities to adapt and overcome new challenges on the road to the championship.