Ian Sparks
The Chris Beard era is officially here. Ole Miss began its journey against Alabama State on Monday night and welcomed former assistant coach Tony Madlock back to Oxford with a 69-59 win over his Hornet squad.
Coming into the game as the heavy favorite, the Rebels certainly had some early season rust to shake off. In the first half, they shot just 34% from the field and 50% at the free throw line. That trend would continue throughout the night as they finished the game shooting just 37% from the floor overall and 48% from the line.
On the flip side, Ole Miss flexed its muscles on the defensive end. The Rebels held the Hornets to a mere 27% shooting from the field and had multiple steals and blocks to cap off an elite defensive performance.
Senior transfer forward Jamarion Sharp led the way with four blocks and two steals, something Rebel fans will continue to see from the 7-foot-5 big man.
Offensive displays from Allen Flanigan, who recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds, TJ Caldwell, who contributed 15 of his own points, and Matt Murrell, who led the game with 16 points, headlined an Ole Miss offense that, for lack of a better phrase, has some work to do
Offensive MVP(s): Allen Flanigan & TJ Caldwell
In Flanigan’s first game in a Rebel uniform, he provided an offensive spark when the Rebels were struggling on that end. His 15 points on 6-12 shooting and 12 rebounds provided a rare bright spot on the offensive side of the ball.
Caldwell started the game on the bench but was a key component in the victory. Midway through the second half, he scored 10 out of 12 Rebel points during a 12-4 run that was key in the Rebels’ efforts to pull away from the Hornets.
Defensive MVP(s): Jamarion Sharp
The big man out of Hopkinsville, Ky., was one of the highest touted transfer players in the country when he declared his departure from Western Kentucky, and he showed why.
Despite not having a prolific scoring night, Sharp had four emphatic blocks and provided some security in front of the rim. Compile those blocks with two steals, and you get one of the most dominant individual defensive performances Ole Miss could ask for.
Shining Moment: Caldwell’s Flurry
The aforementioned 12-4 run halfway through the second half was critical in the Rebels’ quest to put the game out of reach. In that run, Caldwell made back-to-back threes and a couple of layups that pushed the tempo back in Ole Miss’ favor. Look for him to have a big impact offensively throughout the year.
Needs Improvement: Shooting
The first game of the season usually is not the prettiest, much like this one. The Rebels shot a subpar 37% from the field and an abysmal 48% from the free throw line, both of which could be chalked up to first game jitters and/or rust, but it is nonetheless something coach Beard will want to figure out early.
The bright side is that the Rebels were able to get good looks, and for the most part, the offense looked solid; it just lacked the finishing touch. Murrell is viewed as being the primary option on offense but will not shoulder the offensive load alone, as Flanigan, Caldwell and transfer guard Jaylen Murray proved capable of assuming offensive responsibilities.
Up Next: Eastern Washington (Friday, Nov. 10)
The Rebels host the Eastern Washington Eagles on Friday, Nov. 10. This game signifies Military Appreciation Night at the SJB Pavilion.
Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. CST and can be viewed on ESPN+ or in person inside the Pavillion.
