Tia Faleru looks to dribble past a Louisiana Tech defender during Wednesday’s game. Photo: Thomas Graning, The Daily Mississippian
After capping off a 79-68 victory over Louisiana Tech Wednesday, the Ole Miss women’s basketball team looks to gain another home victory over Mississippi Valley State this Saturday before the team heads out for two road games against South Alabama and ninth-ranked Baylor.
Head coach Matt Insell and company look to gain many wins over nonconference opponents before the Rebels begin Southeastern Conference play in January. This Mississippi Valley team is coming off its first win of the season against Eastern Kentucky. However, the Devilettes have played tough competition against Division I schools in Villanova, Toledo, Northern Illinois, SMU and Southern Miss.
Impact Players
Ole Miss: Junior forward Tia Faleru will have the tough challenge to face against the tough interior presence of the Devilettes. Faleru has played well this season, and she will also need more help from her teammates in the paint if the Rebels want to grab an easy win. Faleru is the only Rebel even close to averaging a double-double on the season. The Rebels will be in good shape if they can continue to get 15 points and 10 rebounds out of Faleru every night.
Mississippi Valley State: Canton native Ashley Beals, the starting freshman power forward, is leading the team with 12 points and six rebounds per game. Her running mate off the bench is 6-foot-3 center Chelsea Mabry from North Pontotoc High School. This team is big, and the Rebels will need to win the rebounding battle to prepare for their tough competition that is approaching.
For continuing coverage of Ole Miss women’s basketball, follow @browningstubbs and @thedm_sports on Twitter.
— Browning Stubbs
bbstubbs@go.olemiss.edu
