#5 Ole Miss vs. #12 Gonzaga Prediction, Odds,
& How to Watch: March Madness® 2026
#5 Ole Miss takes on #12 Gonzaga at Williams Arena in
a first round matchup. Here are details, our prediction, and how to watch with Sling TV.
The Rebels enter March Madness® as one of the SEC's most feared defensive units, fresh off a deep run to the SEC Tournament semifinals. They face a Gonzaga squad that returns to the dance as a dangerous double-digit seed after capturing the WCC Tournament title. While Ole Miss brings elite physicality and a top-20 ranking, the Bulldogs boast the nation's second-best three-point shooting percentage. With the memory of their 2023 tournament clash still fresh, expect a high-intensity battle in Minneapolis.
To watch the Rebels vs. Bulldogs First Round game with Sling, use the link below for a 1 Day Pass subscription to ESPN2 or a monthly subscription to Sling Orange.
Game Information Table
Ole Miss Rebels Analysis
- Season Overview: Ole Miss (23-11) earned a No. 5 seed following a rigorous SEC schedule that included marquee wins over Notre Dame and Oklahoma. Under Yolette McPhee-McCuin, the Rebels have made five consecutive tournament appearances and are known for a "blue-collar" defensive identity that harasses opponents into poor shooting nights.
- Star Player: Cotie McMahon (F). The senior forward and Ohio State transfer is a matchup nightmare, averaging 19.9 points and 5.3 rebounds. Her explosive athleticism allows her to dominate the paint and spearhead the Rebels' transition game.
- The X-Factor: Elite Physicality. The Rebels rank 25th nationally in blocks and 17th in offensive rebounding. If they can impose their will on the glass and limit Gonzaga to one-and-done possessions, they can take the air out of the Bulldogs' upset bid early.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Analysis
- Season Overview: Gonzaga (24-9) punched their ticket by defeating Oregon State for the WCC Championship. Despite being the No. 12 seed, the Bulldogs are battle-tested, having played a challenging non-conference schedule that included matchups against Stanford and Indiana.
- Star Player: Lauren Whittaker (F). The WCC Player of the Year is a double-double machine, averaging 19.4 points and 10.2 rebounds. The redshirt freshman's ability to score inside and out makes her the focal point of the Gonzaga offense.
- The Upset Formula: The Long Ball. Gonzaga ranks 2nd in the country in three-point percentage (.390). If Allie Turner and Teryn Gardner can find their rhythm from deep against the physical Ole Miss perimeter defense, the Bulldogs can keep the score close enough to steal it late.
Key Matchup & Advanced Analytics
- Position Battle: The Interior Clash. The duel between Ole Miss’ 6'4" Latasha Lattimore and Gonzaga’s Lauren Whittaker will be the game's decisive factor. Lattimore’s shot-blocking prowess will be tested by Whittaker’s versatile scoring range.
- Statistical Edge: Ole Miss holds a significant advantage in strength of schedule (27th vs. 91st) and defensive efficiency. However, Gonzaga is statistically superior in assist-to-turnover ratio and free-throw shooting, which are critical in tournament settings.
- Betting Trends: Ole Miss is a heavy 14.5-point favorite. While the Rebels dominated their last meeting in 2023 (71-48), Gonzaga has covered the spread in four of their last six games as a double-digit underdog.
Final Prediction & Betting Pick
- The Verdict: Ole Miss Rebels
- Final Score Prediction: Ole Miss 74, Gonzaga 62
- Best Bet: Gonzaga +14.5
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the favorite in the game between Rebels and Bulldogs? Ole Miss is a 14.5-point favorite.
- Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA Tournament? Stream the entire Women’s Tournament by subscribing to Sling Orange or subscribe to a 1, 3, & 7 Day Pass.
- What time is the game? Tip-off is at 3:30 PM ET on ESPN2.