All Eyes on Kamardine: Ole Miss guard’s career night ignites Rebels’ offense in 83-77 win over Memphis
OXFORD, Miss. — On a night when every possession mattered, Ilias Kamardine delivered a statement performance in an Ole Miss uniform, scoring 26 points to lead the Rebels past Memphis, 83–77, inside a raucous SJB Pavilion. The senior guard from France was electric from start to finish, showcasing poise, precision, and a smooth shooting touch that kept the Rebels unbeaten at 3–0.
It was a back-and-forth game between two teams that each have aspirations for March Madness bids at the end of the season.
Ole Miss, now 3-0 on the season, struck from the perimeter all night long, going 8-of-13 at a 61.5% from behind the arc, as Kamardine tallied a career-high 26 points. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound senior guard from France lit it up all night long, emerging as a dynamic scorer at all three levels, and it’s not too early to say Ole Miss may have found its shining star.
“Kamardine from DEEP” 🫡#HottyToddy x #Culture pic.twitter.com/0U6xD8ixpZ
— Ole Miss Men’s Basketball (@OleMissMBB) November 12, 2025
Shooting 11-for-14 from the field and 3-for-4 from behind the arc, Kamardine’s 26 points led both teams in scoring.
The Memphis defense offered opportunities for Kamardine to be successful, and he took advantage of almost every one. With his deep ball connecting, Kamardine opened up the mid-range and paint shots for the entire Ole Miss squad.
“He’s a great leader, with an unbelievable IQ. He played with the French national team, and he came in and fit right in.”
Kezza Giffa on Ilias Kamardine
Finishing with four assists and four rebounds, Kamardine smoothly dissected the Memphis defense, creating a plethora of opportunities for his teammates. He found his groove early, putting up 16 points in the first half and helping out on the defensive side.
The Ole Miss guard displayed strong ball handling to break down the Memphis full-court press during the game. Kamardine’s ability to create opportunities as a scorer helped lift the entire Ole Miss offense to an effective shooting night.
In addition to Kamardine, three Rebel players scored double digits against the Tigers. Kezza Giffa (15), Malik Dia (13), and AJ Storr (10) each also contributed significantly in the victory.
“He’s seasoned. I remember Luka Doncic saying the NBA was easier than overseas. And he’s making it look easy.”
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway on Ilias’ performance
Kamardine did not back down from big moments in the game. His presence and shot-making ability will be huge for Ole Miss once conference play starts. The offensive versatility the Rebels showed against Memphis will be vital in edging out close wins against SEC opponents as the season moves along.
Another foreign name to monitor: Ole Miss’ Ilias Kamardine. Broke out tonight in the Rebels win over Memphis — 26 points, 11/14 from the field.
Remember The Name.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 12, 2025
Next up, Ole Miss will face CSU Bakersfield Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT in what will be the final game in the Tad Pad.
Daylan Flowers
Daylan is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas and currently a junior Journalism major at Ole Miss with an emphasis in sports media and a minor in history. In addition to his work for The Rebel Walk, Daylan is the creator of 'The Daylan Show,' a podcast that shares stories from people all over the sports and media world. He is an avid Arsenal, Cowboys, and St.Louis Cardinals fan. Daylan has a strong passion for photography, including many sporting events and photoshoots.
