The Ole Miss women reentered the win column by making a statement against No. 8 Kentucky, defeating the Wildcats, 66-57, at the SJB Pavilion on Monday.

For the second time under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, the Rebels (16-7, 7-4 SEC) toppled an Associated Press top-10 ranked team, and the first time doing so since dropping No. 5 Stanford on March 19, 2023.

The Rebels are now on a six-game winning streak over the Wildcats (19-3, 8-2 SEC), dating back to Feb. 4, 2021.

Madison Scott a team-leading 22 points while adding six rebounds and two blocks for Ole Miss.

The Rebels out-rebounded the Wildcats, 54-33, and that proved to be a difference-maker down the stretch. The Wildcats had only been out-rebounded six times entering this game, and Monday marked their second loss under such circumstances.

Kentucky was a perfect 17-0 this season when holding a higher shooting percentage than its opponents, until Monday. Additionally, Kentucky dropped to 0-3 in games scoring less than 60 points, as 55 is tied for its second-lowest point total of the season.

Sira Thienou, Starr Jacobs and Kennedy Todd-Williams each contributed significantly on the boards for Ole Miss. The trio collected nine rebounds apiece, with Thienou’s mark setting a career high. All five starters had at least five each.

Ole Miss’ bench got involved early in the game, with Rhema Collins and Mariyah Noel providing sparks. Thienou forced a Kentucky turnover, then found Collins on a fast break attempt. Collins electrified the crowd while making her layup through heavy contact. Noel pulled off the same basket as the quarter expired, nailing her shot at the rim at the buzzer. After the exciting quarter, the Rebels were within reach, 22-18.

Thienou stole the show in the second quarter, recording her 70th steal of the season. Scott continued her offensive authority by leading the Rebels with eight points in the second. She finished the first half with 12 points for her 15th game in double figures and sixth in a row. Kentucky led 37-31 at halftime.

Ole Miss held Kentucky scoreless on its first three offensive possessions and for over two minutes into the second half. In that time, Scott helped the Rebels chip away at the lead by draining a baseline jumper and dropping a layup after a perfectly placed ball by Tameiya Sadler. Kentucky then reached an eight-point lead, its largest of the day.

K.K. Deans gave the Rebels some momentum after she became the 13th player in program history to join the 1,500-point club, and the third this season. She accomplished her feat in electrifying fashion, maneuvering through defenders to the bucket. Deans’ basket kickstarted a 9-2 run for the Rebels, including a Todd-Williams three in the closing seconds of the quarter. Her tally gave Ole Miss a 48-47 lead, its first of the day.

Deans made a 3-pointer as Scott and Jacobs each made close range shots to build a Rebel lead in the fourth quarter. Ole Miss stifled Kentucky’s offense, forcing it to miss five of its opening seven shots.

Todd-Williams perfectly orchestrated on the offensive side to find Jacobs wide open in the paint, who gave the Rebels a six-point lead with under two minutes remaining. The Wildcats were forced to foul with under a minute remaining, putting the Rebels in position to secure the victory.

The Rebels have a quick turnaround, traveling to Arkansas on Thursday. Tipoff against the Razorbacks is set for 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on SECN+.