Fri Jan 30 22:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Icy Weather Forces Top-25 Women’s Basketball Showdown to Birmingham

The Story: A highly anticipated SEC women’s basketball game between No. 5/6 Vanderbilt and No. 17/17 Ole Miss has been relocated to Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama due to severe icy conditions in Oxford, Mississippi. The game, originally scheduled for Thursday night at The Pavilion on the Ole Miss campus, will now take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. CT. This neutral-site contest pits two top-25 teams against each other, adding further intrigue to the matchup.

The game presents a significant challenge for Vanderbilt, marking the second consecutive game against a top-25 opponent in a demanding stretch to conclude the season. Despite Ole Miss holding a recent winning streak against Vanderbilt, the Commodores boast a perfect record against the Rebels in neutral-site games. Both teams are having strong seasons and are looking to improve their standing in the SEC and nationally.

Key Points:

  • The Vanderbilt vs. Ole Miss women’s basketball game was moved to Birmingham, Alabama, due to icy conditions in Oxford, Mississippi.
  • The game will be played at Legacy Arena on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. CT.
  • Vanderbilt is ranked No. 5 in the AP poll and No. 6 in the coaches poll, while Ole Miss is ranked No. 17 in both.
  • Vanderbilt is 20-1 overall and 6-1 in the SEC, tied for the best start in school history through 21 games.
  • Ole Miss is 17-4 overall and 4-2 in the SEC.
  • Vanderbilt leads the all-time series 35-22, but Ole Miss has won the last five matchups.
  • Vanderbilt is 6-0 all-time against Ole Miss in neutral-site games.

Key Takeaways:

  • Weather conditions can significantly impact scheduling and logistics in college sports, forcing unexpected changes in venue.
  • The game provides a crucial test for Vanderbilt as they navigate a challenging schedule against top-ranked opponents.
  • Vanderbilt has shown significant improvement with a 20-1 start and is in a position to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, while Ole Miss is seeking to solidify its standing among the nation’s elite.

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