Ole Miss suffers a humiliating defeat, extending their losing streak to seven games!
The Rebels' basketball team is in a dire situation, failing to secure a win since their visit to Starkville on January 17. Their latest embarrassment came at the hands of the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who dominated with a 90-78 victory on Ole Miss' home court at the SJB Pavilion.
In a game where Ole Miss never held the lead, the Bulldogs' junior guard, Josh Hubbard, shone brightly. Hubbard's impressive performance included 32 points (12/16 FG), six assists, and four three-pointers, setting a new Mississippi State record for career three-pointers made (281). Achor Achor also contributed significantly to the Bulldogs' success, scoring 18 points (6/8 FG) and grabbing five rebounds.
Mississippi State's shooting prowess was on full display in the first half, with a 62% field goal percentage. They maintained their momentum throughout the game, finishing with a 58% team field goal percentage.
Despite a stronger second-half performance by Ole Miss, outscoring their opponents 50-43, it was far from enough to turn the tide.
Head coach Chris Beard acknowledged the team's struggles, attributing it to a lack of mental and physical toughness. He emphasized the need to teach players how to win, stating, "Some guys know how to win and some guys don't." Beard also took responsibility for the loss, apologizing to the fans who attended the game.
The loss pushed Ole Miss' record to 11-14 overall and 3-9 in the Southeastern Conference. Meanwhile, Mississippi State ended their own three-game losing streak, improving to 12-13 overall and 4-8 in the SEC.
Malik Dia, despite the team's struggles, had a standout performance, scoring a career-high 32 points on 20 shot attempts (11/20 FG) in 30 minutes. However, Dia was quick to downplay his achievement, focusing on the team's disappointing performance. AJ Storr was the only other Rebel to reach double digits, adding 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists off the bench.
Ole Miss' physicality was a concern, as they were out-rebounded by nine in the first half. Although they improved in the second half, the damage had already been done. Coach Beard highlighted the team's lack of physical toughness and their inability to match the Bulldogs' intensity.
As the Rebels prepare for their next challenge against Texas A&M, they'll need to address their recent struggles. Texas A&M, currently on a four-game losing streak, presents an opportunity for Ole Miss to turn their season around. But can they overcome their mental and physical barriers and find the winning formula?
