McMahon’s Career-High 39 Points Powers Ole Miss to Dominant Top-25 Win Over Tennessee

Ole Miss star Cotie McMahon sets a career high with 39 points to lead the Rebels to a statement victory over Tennessee.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 18, 2026, 4:07 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from NBC Sports

A Record Breaking Offensive Showcase

The matchup between two Top 25 programs quickly became the Cotie McMahon show. From the opening tip, McMahon exploited the Tennessee defense with a mix of aggressive drives and mid range efficiency. Her 39 points not only set a new personal best but also marked one of the highest single game totals in the program's recent history. The Volunteers struggled to find an answer for her physicality, as she repeatedly drew fouls and converted at the charity stripe. This performance served as a loud announcement to the rest of the SEC that Ole Miss possesses a player capable of taking over any game.

Tactical Superiority and Team Support

While McMahon provided the bulk of the scoring, the Rebels' victory was also a testament to their overall team discipline. Ole Miss utilized a high pressure defense that forced Tennessee into several key turnovers, leading to easy fast break opportunities. The coaching staff’s decision to play through McMahon in the high post opened up lanes for her teammates, ensuring the offense didn’t become stagnant. By maintaining a double digit lead through much of the second half, Ole Miss proved they could handle the pressure of a ranked opponent while keeping their composure under the bright lights.

Shifting Rankings and Postseason Implications

This victory has significant ramifications for the upcoming tournament seedings. By defeating a ranked Tennessee squad, Ole Miss has bolstered its resume and is likely to leapfrog several teams in the next AP Poll. For Tennessee, the loss highlights defensive vulnerabilities that will need to be addressed before the conference tournament begins. As the 2026 season enters its most critical phase, McMahon’s surge in form makes Ole Miss a "bracket buster" candidate that no higher seed will want to face in March.