Ole Miss Finishes 2023 Undefeated Following Home Win Over Bryant

The No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels ended their non-conference schedule perfect after defeating the Bryant Bulldogs on New Year's Eve.

The No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels rang in the new year with a 95-78 win over the Bryant Bulldogs in The Sandy and John Black Pavilion on Sunday night. The Bulldogs fought hard early in the first half, but junior guard Jaylen Murray knocked down a huge three-pointer to put the Rebels up by seven with 13 minutes remaining in the period, and Ole Miss did not look back after that. 

The Chris Beard era in Oxford is literally off to a perfect start, as the Rebels are undefeated entering conference play in January after recording their highest-scoring game of the season.

Ole Miss entered halftime with a 41-30 lead over Bryant thanks to a solid half from forward Jaemyn Brakefield. The senior was the fourth Rebel to reach double figures with 16 points.

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Guards Allen Flanigan and Matthew Murrell carried the Rebels offensively after halftime. Flanigan led the team with 20 points, while Murrell ended his night with 18. Ole Miss did a great job of limiting the Bears offensively, as the Rebels racked up five blocks and seven steals. Center Moussa Cisse led the Ole Miss block party with four swats. Cisse was also a factor offensively, as the big man finished the game with 10 points.

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As a team, Ole Miss shot 54 percent from the field and 35 from beyond the arc, while Troy shot percentages of 42 and 40, respectively. 

The undefeated Rebels will start their conference schedule on Saturday with a road trip to Rocky Top to battle the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee currently holds a 9-3 record and will play one more opponent before hosting Ole Miss: the Norfolk State Spartans (9-6).

Ole Miss' matchup versus Tennessee will be held in Thompson-Boling Arena at 5 p.m. CT, and can be viewed on SEC Network.