Why Stephen A. Smith and a 39-Point Masterclass Have Ole Miss Basketball Trending Everywhere
The Stephen A. Smith Saga
The biggest storyline involves ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who is making good on a viral promise to visit Oxford today, February 19, 2026. The backstory? Smith previously sparked controversy by suggesting that top-tier Black athletes wouldn’t want to attend Ole Miss due to the state’s history.
Ole Miss women’s head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin (affectionately known as “Coach Yo”) publicly challenged that narrative, inviting Smith to experience the campus’s diversity and “Black excellence” firsthand. Smith accepted the challenge, telling Coach Yo, “I’m coming just for you.” He is set to be courtside tonight at the SJB Pavilion as the Rebels host No. 7 LSU.
Cotie McMahon’s Historic Night
While the media circus arrives, the product on the court is scorching hot. On Tuesday, the No. 17 Lady Rebels (21-6) decimated Tennessee 94-81, fueled by a legendary performance from Cotie McMahon.
The junior forward dropped a career-high 39 points—the third-most in program history and the most by an Ole Miss player in the SJB Pavilion era. Her dominance has elevated the team’s status just in time for tonight’s nationally televised clash against defending champions LSU.
A Tale of Two Programs
The buzz around the women’s team stands in stark contrast to the men’s program, which is currently battling a historic slump. Under coach Chris Beard, the men’s team (11-14) has suffered a seven-game losing streak, including a tough 90-78 home loss to Mississippi State last weekend.
However, the momentum in Oxford right now is squarely with the women’s squad. With a top-20 ranking, a star player playing at an All-American level, and the biggest media personality in sports in the building, tonight’s game against LSU is more than a matchup—it’s a cultural moment for the program.
