Memphis Tigers Defeat No. 16 Ole Miss 87-70

News Summary

In an impressive display of teamwork, the Memphis Tigers defeated the No. 16 ranked Ole Miss Rebels 87-70 at the FedExForum on December 28, 2024. Colby Rogers led the Tigers with a season-high 28 points, while the team dominated the boards, out-rebounding Ole Miss 45-34. This victory boosts Memphis to a 10-3 record and sets the stage for their upcoming American Athletic Conference play. Ole Miss will need to address their rebounding struggles as they move forward in SEC matchups.

Memphis Triumphs Over No. 16 Ole Miss in Impressive 87-70 Showdown

Memphis, TN – In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Memphis Tigers took down the No. 16 ranked Ole Miss Rebels with a solid 87-70 victory at the FedExForum on December 28, 2024. The atmosphere was electric, with over 15,000 fans filling the arena, including renowned Memphis icons like Jerry “The King” Lawler and “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart.

Colby Rogers Steals the Show

Leading the charge for the Tigers was none other than Colby Rogers, who put on a sensational performance, racking up a season-high 28 points—just one shy of his career-best. His shooting prowess was evident, as he connected on six 3-pointers, including a pivotal shot that helped stop a 7-1 run from Ole Miss late in the second half. Talk about clutch!

Key Contributions from Team

It wasn’t just Rogers who shone for Memphis. PJ Haggerty added a solid 17 points, while Dain Dainja chipped in with 16 points, showcasing the team’s balanced attack. Moussa Cisse recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds against his former team, proving he had more than just a personal stake in this matchup. Nicholas Jourdain made his presence known, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three blocks, helping to anchor the Tigers on both ends of the court.

Tigers Dominate the Boards

In a fierce battle for rebounds, the Tigers outmuscled the Rebels, pulling down 45 rebounds compared to Ole Miss’s 34. This dominance on the boards set the tone for the game and played a crucial part in Memphis’s success.

Game Flow: An Exciting Back-and-Forth

The game kicked off with high energy, highlighted by an electrifying alley-oop dunk from Cisse, assisted by Haggerty, just 13 seconds into the match. Memphis raced to an early lead, extending it to as much as 13 points in the first half. However, Ole Miss had their moments too; late in the first half, they mounted a scoring surge, outscoring Memphis 24-11 in the final seven minutes, narrowing their deficit to just two points with a halftime score of 38-36.

Second Half Changes the Dynamic

The second half brought with it new challenges. Mikeal Brown-Jones of Ole Miss was ejected after a flagrant-2 foul on Cisse, which shifted the dynamics significantly. Memphis seized the opportunity, maintaining control of the game and steadily building their lead to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

This victory was a much-needed boost for the Tigers, especially after their recent loss to Mississippi State. Now, with a record of 10-3, Memphis has established a strong footing with eight Quad 1 and Quad 2 wins, the highest in the nation. The team is gearing up to kick off American Athletic Conference (AAC) play against FAU on January 4, 2025, and they’ll be looking to ride this momentum further into the season.

Ole Miss Faces Tough Challenges Ahead

On the flip side, this loss serves as a wake-up call for Ole Miss. As they prepare for tougher matchups in the upcoming SEC play, Coach Chris Beard has voiced concerns about his team’s rebounding efforts, which need improvement for their success moving forward.

Conclusion

The Memphis Tigers have proven they can compete at a high level and make significant statements in their non-conference schedule. With their sights set on conference play, fans are buzzing with excitement about what the rest of the season holds!