Defensive Pressure Leads Ole Miss Past Oklahoma

Ole Miss and the lady Rebels set out to smother Oklahoma with their fast paced play and tenacious defense. In the end, their quick style and dominating defense was enough to run the Sooners right out of the tournament.

Armintie Price led the way on offense for the Rebels, scoring a game-high 31 points. The big game by Price overshadowed another great game by a Rebel. Ashley Awkward scored 25 to give Ole Miss a dynamic one-two scoring punch. The Rebels used that hot scoring and a number of tricky half-court traps to take control and push Oklahoma around en route to a 90-82 victory in Sweet 16 action.

Now, the Rebels look forward to a regional final game against powerhouse Tennessee, who defeated Marist in their Sweet 16 game. The Vols and Rebels have seen each other before this season, with the Lady Vols coming out on top by a score of 65-46. The Rebels will hope to turn the tide in that series using the pressure that has led them t his far in the NCAA tournament.

Ole Miss came into this one with a mission, minds set on forcing tons of Oklahoma turnovers. The Sooners, though strong inside with their post play, had been the victim of some sloppy ball handling over the course of the season. Their fifteen first half turnovers nearly equaled their season average of 18. For the game, the Sooners turned it over 26 times. Even more impressive was the Rebels ability to turn those turnovers into points the other direction. The Rebels finished with 16 steals.

The Sooner effort was led, as usual, by inside player Courtney Paris. The All-American performer had one of her best career games, scoring 31 points and pulling down 20 rebounds. Many of those points came in the midst of a 18-7 second half run that brought the Sooners within three at 65-62. Unfortunately, it was at that point when Ole Miss decided to pick up the intensity once again. Tired from all of the pressure and the run that took energy from their legs, the Sooners simply didn't have enough in them to make another run at the Rebels.

Ole Miss will look to take their defensive intensity, pressure, and hustle to the gym against a Tennessee team that clearly outmatches them in the front and back court game. The Rebels will need to improve upon their 36% shooting percentage if they hope to compete with the Vols.