Top-seeded Stanford falls to Ole Miss, short of Sweet 16

Stanford became the No. 1 seed failing to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2009, falling to No. 8 Ole Miss 54-49 at the Maples Pavilion on Sunday night.

The Cardinals haven’t fallen in the second round since 2007. His 14th straight appearance in Suite 16 was the third-best mark of all time behind Connecticut (28) and Tennessee (27). Winners of the 2021 National Title, they were in the Final Four for the second time in a row.

Stanford didn’t lead the entire game, and Ole Miss led by 13 points midway through the third.

Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin welcomed the Rebels to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2007. It was also his first second-round appearance since that season.

“This is such a huge accomplishment. A lot of us came here to make history, and that’s what we do,” said Ole Miss guard Ayanna Thompson.

Stanford’s offense, which struggled for most of February and the Pac-12 tournament, was hit with a new level of anemia, managing just 20 points in the first half behind a barrage of failed layups and 12 turnovers. The Cardinals final 33% clip from the field was one of the lowest of the season, finishing with 21 turnovers.

Known for his tough defense, Ole Miss shot 5-11 in 3 seconds. The Rebels also beat the Cardinals by grass, 44-39.

After Madison Scott’s free throw gave Ole Miss a two-point lead with 18 seconds remaining, Stanford turned the ball over on their next aggressive possession. Marquesha had Davis from the line and he was 2-for-2 and he had two possessions.

Ole Miss was aided by Angel Baker’s 13 points and Lita Igbokwe’s 8 rebounds.

Cameron Brink led Stanford with 20 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocks after missing the first-round game with a stomach bug that was apparently going around the team.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.