On a thrilling night in college basketball, the Ole Miss Rebels emerged as the standout team, pulling off an impressive upset against the Alabama Crimson Tide. This game marked a significant achievement for Ole Miss, as they defeated the No. 4 ranked team with a final score of 74-64. This victory was especially notable because Alabama has been known as one of the highest-scoring teams in the nation.
The game took place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, serving as a prime opportunity for Ole Miss to showcase its skills in a hostile environment. The win not only improved Ole Miss’s record to 4-0 in SEC play but also secured their place as one of the top contenders in the conference, alongside Auburn, who also achieved victory on the same night.
In another highly anticipated match, the top-ranked Auburn Tigers managed to overcome the No. 21 Mississippi State Bulldogs, cruising to an 88-66 win despite being without their star player, Johni Broome, who is currently out with an injury. Meanwhile, the No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats also succeeded in holding off No. 11 Texas A&M, winning their game with a score of 81-69.
Back to the Ole Miss and Alabama matchup, the Crimson Tide started strong, gaining a slight edge with a 36-32 lead at halftime. However, the turning point of the game came in the second half, thanks in large part to the standout performance of junior forward Malik Dia. Dia showcased his talent by recording an impressive 23 points and 19 rebounds. His pivotal plays helped to shift the momentum in favor of Ole Miss.
One memorable moment came late in the game when Dia made a crucial and-one putback after an aggressive drive to the basket. With Ole Miss holding a 56-51 lead, Dia’s determination shone through as he faced off against Alabama’s Grant Nelson. Though Nelson initially blocked Dia’s shot, he quickly recovered the ball and completed the layup while being double-teamed, converting the free throw that followed to further quiet the Alabama crowd.
The Rebels’ success can be attributed to their strong defense, which limited Alabama’s scoring opportunities. Notably, Ole Miss held Alabama, who usually averages 91.1 points per game, to just 64 points on the night. They forced Alabama into a staggering 21 turnovers, significantly impacting the Crimson Tide’s ability to maintain their usual offensive rhythm. Additionally, Alabama struggled with their shooting, managing to only hit 42.6% from the field and a mere 25% from three-point range.
The statistical advantages were clear, as Ole Miss outshot Alabama 70 to 47 in field-goal attempts. Although Ole Miss themselves shot 38.6% (27 of 70), their dominant ball control and defensive effort proved to be the game-changer.
For Alabama, the night was disappointing, as they failed to see consistent scoring from their starting lineup. Mark Sears was the only starter to score in double digits, contributing 11 points while struggling with his shooting percentage. Aden Holloway, coming off the bench, provided some relief with 15 points, but it was not enough to offset the overall lack of production from the starters.
Overall, this game highlighted Ole Miss’s capabilities, establishing them as a formidable force in the SEC, which is currently dotted with strong teams including five in the top 10 and nine in the top 25. With their remarkable defense and the ability to execute under pressure, Ole Miss not only earned a headline victory but also sent a clear message to the rest of the conference about their ambitions this season.
