The highly anticipated matchup between in-state rivals Ole Miss and Mississippi State lived up to its billing, with the Rebels ultimately emerging victorious by a single point, 68-67. The nail-biting finish at Humphrey Coliseum was fueled by outstanding performances from both teams, particularly Jayden Epps for the Bulldogs and Ilias Kamardine for the Rebels.
At halftime, Mississippi State held a narrow 30-27 lead, thanks in part to Epps' 8 first-half points. However, Ole Miss came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs 41-37 to claim the win. The Rebels' second-half surge was led by Kamardine, who finished with 17 points and 5 assists, including several crucial baskets late. AJ Storr also chipped in with 17 points for Ole Miss, while Malik Dia added 8 points and 11 rebounds.
For Mississippi State, Epps paced the team with 14 points, while Jamarion Davis-Fleming and Josh Hubbard each contributed 13 points. Davis-Fleming also pulled down 8 rebounds, and Hubbard dished out 5 assists. Despite these solid individual efforts, the Bulldogs were unable to hold off the Rebels' second-half charge.
The game was marked by several key moments, including a late Ole Miss run that put the Rebels ahead for good. Mississippi State had opportunities to tie or take the lead in the final minutes, but the Rebels' defense held firm, securing the hard-fought win.
This outcome has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Ole Miss, the victory is a Quadrant 2 win, which should help bolster their chances of earning an at-large bid. The Rebels' current net ranking of 79 will likely receive a boost, making them a more attractive candidate for the selection committee. On the other hand, Mississippi State's loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which may hinder their own tournament aspirations. The Bulldogs' net ranking of 95 must improve if they hope to be considered for a postseason berth.
In the end, Ole Miss's strong second-half performance and Kamardine's outstanding all-around game was the difference-makers in this intense rivalry matchup. As the Rebels and Bulldogs continue their respective seasons, this result will undoubtedly play a role in shaping their tournament destinies. With this win, Ole Miss takes a crucial step forward in their pursuit of a tournament bid, while Mississippi State must regroup and refocus to stay in the mix.