Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Game Against Vanderbilt Relocated to Birmingham

OXFORD (Azat TV) – The No. 17 Ole Miss women’s basketball team’s anticipated Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup against No. 6 Vanderbilt has been relocated to Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, and rescheduled for Friday, January 30, at 2 PM CT. The change comes after severe winter weather in the region forced the postponement and relocation of the game, which was originally slated for Thursday, January 29, in Oxford, Mississippi.

The SEC announced the venue and date change on Tuesday, January 27, aiming to ensure player safety and minimize travel disruptions. This marks the second recent schedule alteration for the Rebels, as their game against No. 15 Tennessee, originally set for January 26, was also postponed due to the same winter storm.

Crucial Matchup Amidst Tournament Projections

The game against Vanderbilt holds significant weight for the Ole Miss Rebels, who currently boast a 17-4 overall record and are 4-2 in SEC play, placing them fifth in the conference standings. This will be their fifth ranked matchup of the season, where they hold a 2-2 record. Securing a victory against a top-10 opponent like Vanderbilt would further bolster their resume as they push for a strong seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Leading bracketologists are already projecting Ole Miss as a formidable contender. Both ESPN’s Charlie Creme and The Athletic’s Eden Lasse have the Rebels pegged as a No. 5 seed in their latest NCAA Tournament bracket predictions. Creme places Ole Miss in the Fort Worth 3 region, facing No. 12 seed Oregon State, with Ohio State potentially hosting the first two rounds. Lasse, meanwhile, projects them in the Fort Worth 2 region, taking on No. 12 seed Rice, with Baylor as the potential host. Both analysts agree that Ole Miss is one of 11 SEC teams expected to make the tournament.

Team Performance and Coach McPhee-McCuin’s Impact

Under the leadership of head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, the Ole Miss women’s basketball program has seen consistent success, making the NCAA Tournament in each of the last four years. The team advanced to the Sweet 16 in both 2023 and 2025, demonstrating their capability to perform on the national stage. While the program has reached the Elite Eight five times in its history, with the most recent appearance in 2007, a Final Four berth remains an elusive goal.

The Rebels’ strong performance this season is reflected in their national rankings: they are ranked 17th in the AP poll and 18th in the NET ranking. Their Quadrant 1 record stands at 1-3, but they have excelled in other categories with a 4-1 Quad 2 record, 2-0 Quad 3 record, and a perfect 10-0 in Quad 4 games. Their most recent game saw them secure a decisive 82-61 victory over Missouri on January 22, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Logistical Details for Fans

For fans planning to attend the relocated game in Birmingham, admission will be free, with doors opening at 1 p.m. CT and all seating available as general admission. The game will be streamed live on SEC Network+, ensuring widespread access for those unable to attend in person. The University of Mississippi Athletics department has stated that updated ticket information for those who purchased tickets for the original Oxford game will be sent directly, with no immediate action required from ticket holders.

Following the Vanderbilt game, Ole Miss will continue its SEC schedule with a home game against Auburn on February 2, followed by an away game at Alabama on February 5, further testing their resolve in a competitive conference.

The necessity to relocate and reschedule a significant conference game highlights the persistent logistical challenges posed by severe weather, forcing highly-ranked teams like Ole Miss to adapt quickly while maintaining focus on critical NCAA Tournament aspirations.