A Promising Start
The Ole Miss Rebels men’s basketball team kicked off their season with an impressive blowout victory over the Long Island University Sharks in Oxford on Monday night. The Rebels dominated the game from start to finish, showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess.
Dominant Start
Ole Miss jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. They shot a blistering 52.1% from the field and connected on 10 three-pointers, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Sophomore guard Matthew Murrell led the way for the Rebels, scoring a team-high 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting. He added three rebounds and three assists to his stat line.
Balanced Attack
The Rebels’ success wasn’t limited to one or two players. Four other players scored in double figures, demonstrating the team’s depth and versatility.
- Jaemyn Brakefield: 18 points, 6 rebounds
- Myles Burns: 16 points, 4 assists
- Amaree Abram: 11 points
- Daeshun Ruffin: 10 points, 5 assists
Defensive Effort
While the Rebels’ offense was impressive, their defense was equally formidable. They held LIU to just 37.5% shooting from the field and forced 15 turnovers.
Junior forward Theo Akwuba anchored the defense with a game-high four blocks. He also added eight rebounds and was a presence in the paint.
Coach Kermit Davis’ Perspective
“I’m really proud of the way our guys played tonight,” said head coach Kermit Davis. “We came out with a lot of energy and executed our game plan well. We have a lot of different guys who can contribute, and that’s a great sign for the rest of the season.”
Season Outlook
The blowout victory over LIU provides an early indication of the potential of this year’s Ole Miss Rebels team. They have a talented and experienced roster with a mix of returning players and promising newcomers.
The Rebels will face a challenging schedule this season, but they have the talent and depth to compete with the best teams in the Southeastern Conference. They will look to build on this impressive season-opening performance as they continue their quest for postseason success.