Ole Miss
Texas
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (03/10/2026) — The Ole Miss Rebels established control from the opening tip and never relinquished it, securing a 76-66 victory over the Texas Longhorns on Tuesday at Bridgestone Arena. Forward Malik Dia powered the Rebels with a game-high 23 points as Ole Miss led wire-to-wire, fending off a series of second-half rallies from a resilient Texas squad.
Ole Miss demonstrated remarkable discipline, committing just three turnovers for the entire game. The Rebels' balanced scoring attack featured four players in double figures, with AJ Storr contributing 18 points and Ilias Kamardine adding a versatile 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
How It Happened
Ole Miss seized the initiative immediately, jumping out to an early lead it would never surrender. A 7-0 run in the opening minutes, capped by a Matas Vokietaitis dunk for Texas at the 11:13 mark that made the score 16-8, set the tone for the Rebels' offensive control. The Longhorns fought to stay in contact, with Jordan Pope hitting a deep three-pointer with 9:23 left in the half to cut the deficit to 22-13.
However, Dia took over late in the first period to ensure the Rebels entered the break with a commanding lead. He drained a 17-foot step-back jumper with 4:29 remaining, hit a 25-foot three-pointer just over two minutes later, and capped the half with a driving layup in the final 30 seconds. That sequence helped build a 41-30 halftime advantage for Ole Miss.
The Longhorns emerged from the locker room with renewed energy. Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope connected on back-to-back three-pointers in the first two minutes of the second half, quickly slicing the Ole Miss lead to just five at 41-36. Pope continued his assault, hitting another three at the 12:54 mark to pull Texas within five again, 53-48.
Turning Point
The game's critical juncture arrived late in the second half. After battling back relentlessly, Texas guard Jordan Pope drilled a 23-foot three-pointer with 4:07 on the clock, narrowing the Ole Miss lead to a single possession at 66-63 and sending a surge of momentum through the Longhorns.
With the game on the line, Ole Miss answered decisively. On the ensuing possession, the Rebels worked the ball to Ilias Kamardine, who found James Scott for an authoritative dunk at the 2:38 mark. The basket pushed the lead back to five, 68-63, effectively halting the Texas comeback. That play sparked a game-clinching 10-3 run for Ole Miss, as the Rebels' execution and ball security proved too much for the Longhorns to overcome in the final minutes.
Star of the Game
Malik Dia, Ole Miss
The Ole Miss forward was the most consistent and impactful offensive force on the floor. Dia finished with 23 points and four rebounds, consistently scoring at critical moments to keep the Texas defense off balance. His scoring flurry at the end of the first half was instrumental in building the lead that the Rebels would protect for the rest of the night. Whenever Texas threatened to close the gap, it often seemed Dia had an answer.
What It Means
For Ole Miss, this was a showcase in disciplined, efficient basketball. Leading for all 40 minutes and committing only three turnovers demonstrates a level of focus and execution essential for postseason success. The balanced scoring and timely defense suggest the Rebels are a formidable opponent capable of controlling the tempo of a game from start to finish.
For Texas, the loss stings, but the second-half fight provides a silver lining. Dailyn Swain was exceptional, posting a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Jordan Pope added 16 points, most of which came during the comeback push. Ultimately, the Longhorns' 13 turnovers and a cold 35% shooting performance from the field created a deficit that their late-game heroics couldn't erase.