The Ole Miss Rebels basketball team continues to make a statement in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as they secured a hard-fought victory over Mississippi State, advancing to their fifth consecutive SEC Tournament quarterfinal. The 2025 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament has been an intense competition, and for Ole Miss, the 67-61 win against their in-state rivals on Thursday afternoon was a crucial step in their pursuit of postseason glory. The Rebels are proving that consistency, determination, and tactical discipline can yield sustained success in one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences.
### The Build-Up to the Game
Ole Miss (19-12, 10-8 SEC) entered the game against Mississippi State (18-13, 9-9 SEC) as the No. 7 seed in the SEC Tournament. Mississippi State, seeded No. 10, had shown flashes of brilliance during the regular season but struggled with consistency. This matchup had a lot of implications, not just in terms of advancing in the tournament but also in strengthening their respective resumes for a potential NCAA Tournament berth. Both teams had significant motivation to perform well, making this game even more compelling.
For Ole Miss, head coach Chris Beard had been emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, preparation, and playing with purpose. The Rebels’ ability to execute their defensive game plan and stay disciplined in their offensive sets would be key to beating the Bulldogs. Mississippi State, led by their experienced players, hoped to continue their late-season surge, but it was clear that Ole Miss was determined to carry their momentum into the quarterfinals.
### First Half: Defensive Battle
As expected in an SEC Tournament setting, the game started off as a defensive slugfest. Both teams were intent on stifling each other’s offensive flow, leading to a low-scoring first half. Ole Miss’ defense, which had been one of their strongest suits throughout the season, was on full display early on. The Rebels’ ability to contest shots and force turnovers was evident, and Mississippi State struggled to find rhythm offensively.
Ole Miss was also aggressive on the boards, securing key rebounds that denied Mississippi State second-chance opportunities. The frontcourt duo of K.J. Buffen and Jaemyn Brakefield provided crucial interior defense, while the guards, including Matthew Murrell, were active in pressuring the ball on the perimeter.
On the offensive end, Ole Miss found success through its balanced attack. While the Rebels’ scoring didn’t come in bursts, they managed to generate points through fundamental plays and smart ball movement. Murrell, the Rebels’ standout guard, provided a steady hand, leading the team in scoring in the first half. Brakefield and Buffen also contributed by playing strong inside and hitting some mid-range shots.
Mississippi State was also scrappy on defense, and they matched Ole Miss’ intensity. Their defensive pressure on the ball created several turnovers and led to fast-break opportunities. However, Mississippi State struggled with shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc, as they shot a cold 25% from three-point range in the first half. The Bulldogs’ offensive woes left them trailing Ole Miss by just three points, 30-27, heading into the locker room.
### Second Half: Ole Miss Pulls Away
Coming out of the break, it was clear that Ole Miss had adjusted to the defensive challenges posed by Mississippi State. The Rebels continued to execute on both ends of the floor, playing disciplined basketball and capitalizing on opportunities when they arose.
One of the key turning points in the second half came when Ole Miss made a concerted effort to get out in transition and create easy scoring opportunities. Murrell, who had been a consistent offensive threat throughout the game, started to get more aggressive, driving to the basket and finding open teammates. His leadership was pivotal, as he not only scored but also facilitated the offense by drawing defenders and creating open looks for others. His offensive confidence helped Ole Miss stretch their lead.
The Rebels’ defense remained stout, and Mississippi State continued to struggle with shooting. Although the Bulldogs had a few moments of offensive success, including some timely baskets from guard Tolu Smith, they were unable to consistently find a rhythm. Mississippi State’s inability to make shots from deep became increasingly evident, and their offense became more stagnant as the game progressed.
With about eight minutes left in the game, Ole Miss began to pull away, as Mississippi State’s lack of offensive execution started to take its toll. Buffen and Brakefield were also instrumental during this stretch, with both players securing crucial rebounds and providing the defensive stops needed to deny the Bulldogs any chance of a comeback.
Mississippi State did make a late push, cutting the Ole Miss lead to just four points with under two minutes to play. However, the Rebels showed poise and resilience in the final moments. They calmly sank free throws and forced a crucial turnover to seal the win. The 67-61 final score was a testament to Ole Miss’ ability to grind out tough victories, especially in high-pressure tournament settings.
### Key Players and Moments
– **Matthew Murrell:** The junior guard was undoubtedly the standout player of the game. Murrell finished with 19 points, including several clutch baskets in the second half, and provided invaluable leadership on both ends of the floor. His ability to control the tempo of the game and get to the rim made a significant difference.
– **K.J. Buffen and Jaemyn Brakefield:** Both forwards played an instrumental role in Ole Miss’ success. Buffen finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint. Brakefield contributed 10 points and played solid defense. Their combined efforts in the frontcourt were key to keeping Mississippi State’s offense from finding any consistent rhythm.
– **Defensive Execution:** Ole Miss’ defense, which has been a staple of their play all season, was the difference-maker. The Rebels forced Mississippi State into tough shots and limited their scoring opportunities in transition. Their ability to lock down on defense kept the Bulldogs from establishing any sustained offensive runs.
### What’s Next for Ole Miss?
With this victory, Ole Miss advances to their fifth consecutive SEC Tournament quarterfinal, where they will face a tough opponent in the next round. The Rebels will need to maintain the same level of focus, defensive intensity, and offensive efficiency if they hope to continue their tournament run and potentially claim an SEC Tournament title.
Beyond the SEC Tournament, Ole Miss’ win over Mississippi State will serve as a confidence booster as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. This win strengthens their resume and proves that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country, given the quality of play in the SEC.
Chris Beard has done an excellent job of building a team that plays with purpose and unity, and the Rebels’ performance in this win over Mississippi State shows that they are a team capable of making a deep run when it matters most.
### Conclusion
Ole Miss’ win over Mississippi State was a testament to their growth and resilience as a program. For the fifth year in a row, the Rebels have made it to the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, proving that consistency in preparation, discipline in execution, and leadership on the floor can pay off in big ways. With the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament ahead, Ole Miss has shown they are a team to watch in the coming weeks as they look to build on their momentum and take on some of the top teams in college basketball.
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