On a foggy night in Oxford, the Rebel men’s basketball team (8-7, 0-2 SEC) took on the Arkansas Razorbacks (12-3, 2-0 SEC) for their first home SEC game of the season. Ole Miss looked to have a turnaround game but, once again, their inability to play a consistent offensive game took its toll.
Coming off a lopsided loss at Oklahoma in its SEC opener, Ole Miss showed improved energy early. The Rebels withstood Arkansas’ offensive pressure with several first-half runs, but struggled to string together stops, heading into halftime down double digits.
“There’s just too many segments, too many back-to-back possessions, too many self inflicted mistakes,” was Coach Beard’s thought on the overall performance by his team tonight. “A lot of stuff just continues to be self inflicted.”
Having been down by sixteen with 7:02 left in the second half, the Rebels battled back to cut the game to just four points at 91-87 with one minute left in regulation. It seemed to be just a bit too little too late for coach Beard’s team tonight as they went 0-2 with a pair of three point tries inside the final sixty seconds.
Despite having five players in double digit points, the Rebels just could not find the consistent offensive play they’ve been looking for. At halftime Ole Miss was shooting just 41 percent from the floor and 27 percent from three, compared to Arkansas’ 55 percent and 46 percent marks. The Rebels were able to find some rhythm offensively in the second half, going 59 percent from the field, but it was not enough to overcome the Razorbacks.
“I never tell the guys to stand up and slow it down,” replied Beard about the Rebels pace this evening. “This is one of the slowest paced teams we’ve ever had, we’re just pleading with the guys to play faster… The basket opened up for us late, but I think two of our guys get credit because we got really impressive.”
Coach Beard was speaking of Eduardo Klafke scored all 11 of his points in the second half, and freshman Patton Pinkins who helped spark the late rally and finished with 10 points. Malik Dia continued his steady play, tying Ilias Kamardine for the team lead with 16 points. AJ Storr added 12.
Arkansas, who consistently answered everything Ole Miss threw at them, was led by Dari Acuff Jr., who posted 26 points and nine assists. Trevon Brazile added 18 points, while Meleek Thompson and Billy Richmond III scored 13 apiece.
As Ole Miss moves deeper into conference play, the Rebels continue to search for greater consistency on both ends of the floor.
“Just continue to make everything as competitive as we can,” said Beard on the rotation, “Evaluate everything in an objective manner, have open conversations with our players on what’s expected. It starts with attitude, effort and body language.”
The Rebels return to play Saturday in their second SEC home game of the season against the Missouri Tigers. Tipoff is at 5pm in the SJB Pavilion Saturday. Remember, stay here for the latest on all things about your Ole Miss Rebels.
