'Big Mama' Madina receives glowing praise in USA after polishing her game [VIDEO]
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 24.02.26. | 21:15
On Sunday, Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who saw Okot play for Mississippi State last year, admitted that the centre has a new layer to her game
Madina Okot, affectionately known as Big Mama to her South Carolina women's basketball community, continues to carve out a name for herself, having led the side to a 10th Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship with two games to spare.
On Sunday, 22 February, she led the third-ranked Gamecocks past No. 17 Ole Miss, 85-48, delivering her 18th double-double of the year to finish with 17 points and 10 rebounds, helping the side secure its fifth consecutive regular-season crown.
Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News
The 6-foot-6 centre made all three of her 3-point attempts during the game, a new career high. Coach Dawn Staley has encouraged Okot to shoot from outside after seeing her accuracy in practice.
On Sunday, Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who saw Okot play for Mississippi State last year, admitted that the centre has a new layer to her game.
"When I saw her start making 3s, I was like '(expletive)' it's over for us," McPhee-McCuin said. "It's one thing to have to battle with her around the basket, but she started looking like Steph Curry, I was like, we might as well pack it up."
Madina Okot today 🔥
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) February 22, 2026
• 17 points
• 10 rebounds
• 4 blocks
• 22 minutes playedpic.twitter.com/XRyLWXS6PX
Okot had just set a career-high for single-game 3-pointers, with two against Alabama on Thursday, 19 February, but reset her own record three days later.
She did not take a 3-point attempt last year but has taken 15 already this season, making eight of them. Okot has South Carolina's second-highest 3-point percentage at .533, trailing only Alicia Tournebize at .667 (4 of 6).
"I'm getting more confident. I'm just being me," Okot said when asked if she considers herself a 3-point shooter now.
"Just seeing Madina shoot with confidence and have the confidence in the paint, we know were going to win a game when Madina plays like that," said South Carolina starting guard Ta'Niya Latson
Legendary Gamecocks centre and four-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson was in Colonial Life Arena for the game and was seemingly impressed with Okot's shooting, as cameras caught her standing up to celebrate.
