OXFORD, Miss. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive firepower, the Mississippi Rebels women’s basketball team rolled to a decisive 93-68 victory over in-state rival Mississippi State on Sunday afternoon at The Pavilion at Ole Miss.

The Rebels, improving to 16-3 overall and in Southeastern Conference play, used a dominant second-quarter surge to seize control and never looked back against the visiting Lady Bulldogs, who fell to 14-4.

Mississippi’s victory was fueled by a balanced and explosive attack, led by Sira Thienou’s game-high 20 points. The junior from Bamako, Mali, added three assists and a steal, continuing her strong recent form. She was complemented by Cotie McMahon, who scored 21 points in just 23 minutes, and Latasha Lattimore, who contributed 17 points and two assists. Christeen Iwuala added 14 points and a block for the Rebels.

The game’s pivotal stretch came in the second quarter. After a competitive first period that ended with Mississippi leading 21-17, the Rebels erupted. They outscored Mississippi State 29-18 in the frame, turning a narrow edge into a 50-35 halftime advantage. The run was a collaborative effort, with Thienou, McMahon and Iwuala all making key baskets while the Rebels’ defense forced several Lady Bulldog turnovers that led to transition opportunities.

Mississippi State, which was led by Chandler Prater’s 15 points and 14 points apiece from Destiney McPhaul and Favour Nwaedozi, could not mount a sustained challenge after halftime. The Rebels maintained their intensity, extending their lead throughout the second half. Madison Francis recorded three blocks for the Lady Bulldogs in the loss.

The Rebels’ offensive efficiency was the story, as they consistently found high-percentage shots and capitalized on Mississippi State’s mistakes. The Lady Bulldogs struggled to contain Mississippi’s multifaceted scoring options, particularly in the paint and in transition.

The win solidifies Mississippi’s position near the top of the SEC standings early in the conference schedule. According to Interstat’s ELO system, the Rebels entered as heavy favorites with an 87.6% projected probability to win. The combined point total of 161 far exceeded the over/under line of 129.5.

A crowd of 4,634 watched the conference matchup.

Mississippi State will look to rebound when it hosts Vanderbilt on Thursday. Mississippi travels to face Georgia next Sunday.