Rebels drop final regular season game at Missouri, 82-77
COLUMBIA – The Ole Miss men’s basketball team lost its final game of the regular season, 82-77, to the Missouri Tigers Saturday afternoon in Columbia, MO.
The game was back-and-forth, especially in the second half, but timely baskets for the Tigers allowed them to grab the win.
The Rebels finish the season with an 11-20 record and a 3-15 conference record. They will be the No. 13 seed in the SEC Tournament, which starts Wednesday, March 8.
The game was evenly contested throughout, as it was tied for over eight minutes and contained 18 lead changes. The second-half score differential never grew beyond four points for both teams until the final seconds, when Missouri took a five-point lead and ran out the clock.
“[I am] very, very proud of our team. I loved our character. I am just so proud of them.”
Rebels’ interim head coach Win Case
Offensively, every Rebel starter scored in double-figures.
Forward Jaemyn Brakefield, who was coming off a five-point outing against Texas A&M, led the Rebels on offense with 18 points on 5-for-7 shooting.
Guard James White finished with 14 points on 7-for-10 shooting. Guard Matthew Murrell, who drained eight threes in his last outing, scored 14 points, but only shot 4-for-14 from the field, including 1-8 from three.
Myles Burns recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds while also dishing out four assists. Finally, forward Robert Allen tacked on another 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Overall, the Rebels shot an efficient 51% from the field and 89% (16-18) from the free throw line. They also won the battle in the paint, 42-38.
However, Missouri was even better on the offensive end, shooting 55% from the field for the game. They also outscored the Rebels by 17 points in bench points (29-12).
“I will give Missouri credit. They made some tough, tough shots. If those shots go in at critical points during the game, I thing we have a really good chance of coming away with a road win.”
Coach Case
The Rebels will now pin their focus on the SEC Tournament, which will be their only avenue to a potential NCAA Tournament bid. Case said that his team is excited for the opportunity to continue their season.
“Now, it is a totally new season. We are excited to go up to Nashville and let the chips fall where they may.”
Coach Case
Next Up
Coach Case and the Rebels will begin their stay in the SEC Tournament this Wednesday, March 8 against the No. 12 seed South Carolina Gamecocks. Tipoff at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee is set for 6 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
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!
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