Ole Miss Shocks Fourth-Ranked Tennessee with Last-Second Win

The exhilarating atmosphere at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion as Ole Miss takes down Tennessee.

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News Summary

In a thrilling basketball match on March 5, 2025, the Ole Miss Rebels defeated the fourth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers 78-76. The game featured dramatic lead changes and a standout performance from Jaemyn Brakefield, who scored 19 points in the second half, including the game-winning shot. With this victory, Ole Miss enhances their postseason hopes, while Tennessee’s four-game winning streak comes to an end.

Oxford Madness: Ole Miss Stuns Fourth-Ranked Tennessee!

In an exhilarating basketball showdown, the Ole Miss Rebels knocked off the fourth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers with a nail-biting 78-76 victory at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion in Oxford on March 5, 2025. This clash was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, with plenty of drama to keep fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second!

A Historical Rivalry

Before this game, the Volunteers had dominated their recent matchups against Ole Miss, winning 9 of the last 10 meetings dating back to February 2018. The last time these two teams faced off was over a year ago, when Tennessee comfortably secured a 90-64 victory in the 2023-24 season opener. However, history was put on pause as the Rebels were determined to make a statement.

Back-and-Forth Action

The contest was a thrilling display of competitive basketball, highlighted by an impressive 12 lead changes and a staggering 13 tie scores. Fans in attendance at the pavilion witnessed a classic SEC showdown, as neither team was willing to back down. Tennessee had the upper hand at halftime, leading 41-36 after a solid first half and even enjoyed a comfortable 8-point lead in the second half, but the Rebels had other ideas.

Second Half Surge

Speaking of ideas, Ole Miss’s Jaemyn Brakefield surely had a plan in mind. He exploded for all 19 of his points during the second half, including a clutch game-winning basket with just 7 seconds remaining on the clock. His performance was pivotal in securing a much-needed victory for the Rebels.

Paint Dominance and Late-Game Drama

One of the most striking stats from the game was Ole Miss’s dominance in the paint. They outscored Tennessee 46-20 in the lane, showcasing their physicality and determination. As the game progressed, Tennessee found it increasingly challenging to defend against Ole Miss’s late-game surge. The Rebels capped off an 8-2 run, powered by critical contributions from players like Dre Davis, who made key plays down the stretch.

Tennessee Struggles at the Buzzer

As the clock ticked down, tension filled the air. Tennessee had a golden opportunity to win, but Igor Milicic Jr. missed a layup attempt just before the final buzzer. Ole Miss fans erupted in joy as the ball clanged off the rim, sealing a memorable victory for the home team. With the loss, Tennessee’s record fell to 24-6 overall and 11-6 in the SEC, ending their four-game winning streak.

Season Implications

This victory was particularly significant for Ole Miss, as they improved their record to 21-9 overall and 10-7 in the SEC. The win not only adds to their season’s success but also keeps their hopes alive for a strong finish as they look towards the postseason.

A Look Ahead

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes, who has seen much success against Mississippi teams with a 24-7 record, will need to regroup his squad as they aim for their ninth 25-win season. It would mark the sixth such achievement during Harper’s tenure, providing plenty of motivation for his players as they look to bounce back.

With the stakes higher than ever, both teams will be looking forward to what the rest of the season brings. As for Ole Miss, the thrilling victory over a top-ranked opponent is a huge confidence booster. Basketball fans won’t want to miss the exciting concluding games on this season’s schedule!