The 2024-25 season was a landmark year for the Ole Miss Rebels men's basketball team, showcasing resilience and determination under the leadership of head coach Chris Beard. The Rebels concluded the season with a commendable 24-12 record, including a 10-8 mark in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), securing a sixth-place finish.
Regular Season Highlights
The Rebels' season featured several notable victories that underscored their competitive edge:
- November 28, 2024: Ole Miss claimed an impressive 96-85 win over BYU in San Diego at the Rady Children's Invitational.
- December 3, 2024: The Rebels dominated Louisville on the road with a commanding 23-point victory.
- January 8, 2025: Ole Miss earned a hard-fought road win at Fayetteville, defeating Arkansas in a crucial SEC matchup.
- January 14, 2025: Ole Miss triumphed over Alabama with a 74-64 victory on the road.
- January 29, 2025: Ole Miss took down Texas at home, adding another marquee victory to their résumé.
- February 4, 2025: The team delivered an impressive 98-84 win against Kentucky at home.
- March 1, 2025: In a closely contested game, Ole Miss edged out Oklahoma 87-84.
- March 5, 2025: The Rebels secured a thrilling 82-79 victory over rival Tennessee in a packed home arena.
These wins highlighted the team's ability to perform under pressure and against formidable opponents.
SEC Tournament PerformanceEntering the SEC Tournament with momentum, the Rebels secured a hard-fought 83-80 victory over Arkansas in the opening round on March 13, 2025. However, their tournament run concluded the following day with a narrow 62-57 loss to Auburn, the tournament's top seed.
NCAA Tournament JourneyDespite the SEC Tournament exit, Ole Miss earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, marking their second Sweet 16 appearance in program history and the first since 2001.Their NCAA Tournament path was marked by impressive performances:
- First Round (March 21, 2025): The Rebels defeated No. 11 seed North Carolina 71-64, showcasing their defensive prowess.
- Second Round (March 23, 2025): Ole Miss dominated No. 3 seed Iowa State with a 91-78 victory, propelled by guard Sean Pedulla's 20-point performance.
- Sweet 16 (March 28, 2025): In a heart-wrenching finish, the Rebels fell to No. 2 seed Michigan State 73-70. Despite leading for the majority of the game, Ole Miss couldn't withstand a late surge by the Spartans. Pedulla led all scorers with 24 points.
Rebels' Tournament Run Ends in Sweet 16 Against Michigan StateOle Miss’ incredible tournament run came to a heartbreaking end in the Sweet 16 with a narrow 73-70 loss to No. 2 seed Michigan State. The Rebels led for much of the game, fueled by another standout performance from Sean Pedulla, who finished with 24 points. However, a late surge by the Spartans, combined with a few costly turnovers in the final minutes, allowed Michigan State to escape with the win.
Adding to the frustration, the officiating played a major role in the outcome. Ole Miss was called for 22 fouls compared to just 10 for Michigan State, leading to a significant disparity in free throw attempts. Despite the physical play on both sides, the referees appeared to swallow their whistles on several key Michigan State possessions while calling ticky-tack fouls against the Rebels. This imbalance made it difficult for Ole Miss to maintain momentum down the stretch and left fans and players alike questioning the fairness of the officiating.
Despite the tough loss, the Rebels proved they belong among the nation’s best, making just their second-ever Sweet 16 appearance and setting the stage for continued success under Coach Chris Beard.
Season Statistics and Player ContributionsOffensively, the Rebels averaged 77.4 points per game, while allowing 71.7 points defensively. Sean Pedulla emerged as a standout player, leading the team with an average of 15.4 points and 3.8 assists per game. Forward Malik Dia contributed significantly, averaging 5.7 rebounds per game, bolstering the team's presence in the paint.
Looking AheadThe 2024-25 season has set a new standard for Ole Miss basketball, with the team's deep tournament run igniting enthusiasm among fans and alumni. As Coach Beard and his staff focus on recruiting and development, the Rebels aim to build upon this season's success and strive for even greater achievements in the future.