News Summary
The Ole Miss men’s basketball team has climbed to 16th in the AP Poll following a recent road win against No. 4 Alabama. Despite a tough overtime loss to rival Mississippi State, the Rebels maintain a strong overall record of 15-3 and aim to improve their rebounding and free throw shooting as they prepare for their next game against No. 13 Texas A&M.
Ole Miss Basketball Bounces Back to No. 16 in AP Poll
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI – The Ole Miss men’s basketball team has been making some major waves lately, and even a tough overtime loss against their biggest rival isn’t slowing them down. In fact, the Rebels have jumped up from 21st to 16th place in the latest Associated Press Poll, which was released on January 20, 2025. Talk about resilience!
Weekend Ups and Downs
Just last week, Ole Miss secured an impressive road win against the No. 4 Alabama team. They celebrated that accomplishment with excitement, but the joy soon turned bittersweet after facing off against No. 14 Mississippi State on January 18, 2025. The Rebels battled hard but ultimately fell short in a thrilling overtime showdown, ending the game with a score of 84-81.
Despite the loss, Ole Miss still boasts a solid record of 15-3 overall and 4-1 in SEC play. It was their first defeat in Southeastern Conference competition this season, and while it stings, there’s still plenty of basketball left to play.
A Tale of Two Teams
In the showdown against Mississippi State, the Rebels faced some tough challenges. One of the most glaring issues was their rebounding game. They were out-rebounded by Mississippi State 51-29, a statistic that definitely played a significant role in the outcome. The Bulldogs were also able to capitalize on their opportunities at the charity stripe, making 17 out of 28 free throws compared to Ole Miss’s 8 of 14.
Looking back on the game, it was a heartbreaker for Ole Miss fans, especially as they attempted a last-second three-point shot that would have tied the game as time expired in overtime. Unfortunately, they couldn’t convert and the game slipped away.
Time to Refocus
After the setback, Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard took note of some key areas that need improvement as they head into the next challenges ahead. It’s clear the team needs to work on their rebounding skills and boost their free throw shooting percentage. These issues, mixed with the aggressive play style of Mississippi State, made for a tough combination that Ole Miss couldn’t overcome.
The historic rivalry reached another milestone with this being the 271st meeting between Ole Miss and Mississippi State, and as always, it lived up to the hype. Both teams exhibited incredible physicality and determination, making it an exhilarating contest for fans in attendance.
What’s Next for the Rebels?
Looking ahead, the Rebels will have a chance to bounce back when they host No. 13 Texas A&M on January 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. CT. With a fierce crowd expected at The Pavilion, this game presents the perfect opportunity for Ole Miss to recalibrate and show everyone that they are ready to compete fiercely in the league.
With a blend of exciting victories and challenging losses under their belt, the Ole Miss Rebels are definitely a team to watch this season. Fans, get ready to rally behind your team as they look to address their recent shortcomings and climb even higher in the rankings!
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Basketball Poll Rankings
- SI: Chris Beard Highlights Unacceptable Start
- The Rebel Walk: Chris Beard Postgame Transcript
- On3: Chris Beard Addresses Officiating Disparity
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels
