Brakefield and Burns lead Rebels to 78-74 win over Georgia
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss men’s basketball team won its first game since January 17 in a 78-74 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Ga., Tuesday night. The win snapped a five-game losing streak overall and a four-game losing streak in conference play. The Rebels now sit 10-14 overall and 2-9 in SEC action.
Forwards Jaemyn Brakefield and Myles Burns led the charge for the Rebels. Brakefield led the the team in scoring with 24 points, while also grabbing seven boards. Burns had his breakout performance of the season with 20 points and six rebounds.
BIG TIME three for @Jaemyn1! 👌#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/6dzCEzhVQQ
— Ole Miss Men’s Basketball (@OleMissMBB) February 8, 2023
The game was just as tight at the Vanderbilt game last Saturday, as this contest had 15 lead-changes throughout. However, the Rebels were able to pull this one out, powered by Matthew Murrell’s free-throws and two offensive rebounds by Robert Allen that came off missed-free throws in the final minute of the game.
Head coach Kermit Davis attributed the win to hustle plays, especially the offensive rebounds by Allen, down the stretch, which are plays Ole Miss has struggled making throughout the season. He said the win should build momentum for the rest of the season.
“Any of these wins are great,” Davis said postgame.
“Now, we are 1-1 in February. We go back home to South Carolina on Saturday. You just try for the first time to win back-to-back games. Just a happy locker room from a much-needed win on the road.”
Head coach Kermit Davis on the win
While Georgia won both the shooting percentage battle and the battle in the paint, the Rebels made up the difference in second-chance points (19-9) and in the free-throw department (22-19).
Another important factor from the win was Burns virtually tripling his scoring average for the season. His performance was something that Davis says he has expected all year.
“His energy was unbelievable. He just put his head down and made unbelievable plays at the rim. His energy level was unmatched on the court tonight.”
Coach Davis on Myles Burns
MYLES TAKES FLIGHT!!! ✈️@21_mjb | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/zTF4pMKWQe
— Ole Miss Men’s Basketball (@OleMissMBB) February 8, 2023
Burns said the maturity of the team led to the Rebs finally closing-out an SEC game down the stretch.
“It was different than we’ve had up to this game,” Burns said about the team’s maturity level.
“Tonight, the vibes were different. We played together. We gave each other a lot of positive reinforcement. I don’t know what happened or what got into everybody, but the maturity level was very high tonight.”
Myles Burns
Murrell was the third player in double-digits for the Rebels with 10 points. Even though he struggled from the field (2-11), his free-throw shooting (9-11), especially late in the game, was clutch and put the Rebels over the top.
“He made some unbelievable free-throws down the stretch. He just did what the good players are supposed to do, and what he did tonight was close that game out at the line.”
Coach Davis on Matt Murrell
Up Next
Both SEC wins for the Rebels this season have been on the road, so they will look to get that first home win in conference play this Saturday against South Carolina. Tipoff from the SJB Pavilion in Oxford is set for 12 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
Trevor Terminie
Trevor is a senior at Ole Miss pursuing a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Sports Communication and Promotion. He has previous experience covering sports for another site, including a variety of Ole Miss sports. Growing up in New Orleans, La., he has the Pelicans and Saints running through his blood. He also grew up in an LSU family, but his love for Ole Miss continues to grow. Trevor hopes to cover sports back in his hometown after college. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
