No. 21 Ole Miss men’s basketball team is set to face off against No. 4 Alabama in a prime matchup of two 3-0 teams in conference action on January 14th. The Rebels, led by Head Coach Chris Beard, have a record of 14-2 and are coming off a strong start to the season. On the other side, the Crimson Tide, coached by Nate Oats, boast a 14-2 record and are currently ranked fourth in the country.
In their last meeting in 2024, Alabama came out on top with a 103-88 victory over Ole Miss. This season, Alabama has been dominant, remaining undefeated in SEC play and riding an eight-game win streak. On the offensive end, they are the highest-scoring team in the nation, averaging 91.1 points per game.
Ole Miss, known for their strong defense under Coach Beard, has excelled in forcing turnovers and limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. Their turnover margin of +6.4 ranks among the best in the nation, and they have held teams to 60 points or less in five games this season.
Senior guards Sean Pedulla and Jaylen Murray have been instrumental in Ole Miss’ success, with Pedulla leading the team in steals and Murray showcasing exceptional passing ability. Additionally, players like Matthew Murrell and Jaemyn Brakefield have surpassed the 1,000-point mark in their careers, contributing to the team’s offensive prowess.
With a tough schedule ahead and a highly competitive SEC landscape, Ole Miss will look to continue their strong start to the season and make a statement against a formidable opponent in No. 4 Alabama. Fans can catch the action on ESPNU at 6 p.m. on January 14th.
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Photo credit olemisssports.com