Oxford Mississippi:
In a game that was a must win for the hometown Rebels,they found themselves getting nipped by the same mistakes that have cost them all season. The Rebels dug a hole they couldn’t get out of, getting down by 17 to a hot shooting Illinois State was to much for the Rebels to overcome. Ole Miss fans have become accustomed to lackluster defense and starting with little to no energy. Ole Miss showed fight at times during the second half coming up just short of a thrilling Overtime game. Illinois State showed poise throughout despite losing three guys to foul trouble mid way through the second half. The Redbirds hung on for a 101-97 road victory in Oxford.
Player of the game for the Rebels-
Bruce Stevens with 27 points, 13-16 from the field.
Another players of interest for the Rebels-Terrance Davis- 17 points, 7-15 from the field
Deandre Burnett- 19 points, 5-14 from the field, 7-7 from the free throw line
Player of the game for the Redbirds-
Keyshawn Evans- 25 points, 6-16 from the field, 8-9 from the line
Other players of interest for the Redbirds-
Phil Fayne- 16 points, 6-12 from the field, 4-6 from the line
Milik Yarbrough- 25 points, 8-17 from the field, 9-9 from the line, 8 assists,1 steal
In a game that Coach Kennedy called “a disaster,” a lot of questions still remain for Ole Miss with two non conference games left for the Rebels before SEC play begins when the South Carolina Gamecocks travel to Oxford on New Years Eve. It is make or break time for the Rebels : If they want to salvage this season they must win the next two games against Texas A&M Corpus Christi (12/19) and Bradley ( 12/22) and gain some momentum going into SEC play.
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