Ole Miss Basketball Secures Victory Over Arkansas

Ole Miss basketball team celebrates their thrilling win against Arkansas.

News Summary

Ole Miss basketball celebrated a significant 73-66 victory against Arkansas on January 9, 2025, marking their first win in Fayetteville since 2015. The Rebels improved to 2-0 in SEC play, showcasing their rebounding strength and defensive skills. Standout performances included Malik Dia’s 21 points and 8 rebounds. The team prepares to face LSU next, aiming for continued success in the SEC as they seek to solidify their position for an NCAA tournament appearance.

Ole Miss Basketball Celebrates a Thrilling Win in Fayetteville

In a spirited matchup that thrilled fans, Ole Miss basketball soared to a 73-66 victory over Arkansas on January 9, 2025, marking the Rebels’ first win in Fayetteville since 2015. This milestone has fans buzzing with enthusiasm, especially since it also puts Ole Miss at a delightful 2-0 in SEC play for the first time since 2019, the last year they made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Rebounding to Victory

The game saw the Rebels showcasing their strength on the boards, continuing a trend from their previous SEC encounter. In both games, they proved to be relentless in winning the rebounding battle, especially dominating the second half. The impressive numbers show that Ole Miss has found a formula for success this season. As of now, they sit at a solid No. 22 in the NCAA NET rankings and boast a commendable four Quad 1 victories under their belt.

The Rebels have outscored their opponents by an impressive 10 points in the second halves of both SEC matchups, demonstrating not just skill but the spirit to push through even when faced with challenges. They’ve shown remarkable resilience, bouncing back from come-from-behind attempts from their rivals and solidly holding their ground.

Defensive Dominance

With a record that has them winning all 8 games this season when they hold their opponents to under 40 percent shooting from the field, it’s clear that the team’s focus on defense is paying off. Heading into the game against Arkansas, there was concern about rebounding, but the team’s effort showcased that they turned that worry into triumph.

Highlights from the Game

The game had its ups and downs, as Ole Miss found themselves in an early 10-1 deficit but displayed their fighting spirit and even recovered from a late 8-point deficit to tie the game at halftime, 33-33. A thrilling comeback saw standout performances, particularly from Malik Dia, who led the charge with an impressive 21 points and 8 rebounds. Meanwhile, Sean Pedulla added 16 points, and Dre Davis contributed 10 points along with 7 rebounds, ensuring that the team rallied around its key players.

Forward to the Future

The road ahead is looking exciting for Ole Miss, with their next challenge being a face-off against LSU on January 11. The game is set for a tip-off at 5 p.m. CT and has everyone eagerly anticipating another potential win. LSU, currently struggling at 0-2 in league play, will be a formidable opponent, but Ole Miss fans are hopeful for another victory.

Head Coach Chris Beard has emphasised the importance of treating every SEC game like a golden opportunity, advocating for a short-term memory after wins and losses. This focus on mental resilience, combined with the team’s growing experience and confidence, has the potential to pave the way for even more victories, as they prepare to face tough contenders like Alabama and Mississippi State, both of which rank in the Top 15 in NCAA NET.

A Bright Outlook

With a landscape that hints at a strong year for the SEC, featuring multiple teams vying for NCAA Tournament spots, Ole Miss stands well-positioned to make a mark. The fans are ready, the players are focused, and the excitement within the team and community is palpable as they aim to build momentum throughout the season.

So here’s to Ole Miss Basketball and their thrilling journey ahead! The games are bound to be electrifying as they aim for victory and the coveted NCAA tournament appearance!