Basketball
Ole Miss Dominates Second Half to Secure Victory Over Arkansas
2025-01-08

In a thrilling college basketball matchup, Ole Miss demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical play in the second half, ultimately securing a 67-60 victory over Arkansas. The game saw significant shifts in momentum, with Ole Miss capitalizing on key moments to pull ahead. Despite an early lead by Arkansas, the Rebels managed to regain control and maintain their advantage through strategic plays and efficient scoring. The final minutes showcased intense competition, but Ole Miss's composure and execution prevailed.

Rebels Rally in the Second Half

The second half witnessed a dramatic turnaround as Ole Miss gradually extended its lead. After halftime, the Rebels capitalized on several scoring opportunities, effectively stifling Arkansas's offensive flow. With precise ball handling and timely shots, Ole Miss built a substantial cushion that proved insurmountable for the Razorbacks. As the clock ticked down, the crowd's energy fluctuated, reflecting the tense atmosphere inside Bud Walton Arena.

Entering the second half, both teams were tied at 33 points. However, Ole Miss quickly found its rhythm, opening with a series of successful plays. Matthew Murrell contributed significantly with five points early in the period. The Rebels' defense tightened, limiting Arkansas's scoring chances. Key moments included Sean Pedulla's clutch three-pointer, which boosted Ole Miss's lead to 61-50. Despite some missed opportunities, the Rebels maintained their composure, ensuring Arkansas struggled to mount a comeback. D.J. Wagner's free throws further solidified the three-possession gap, making it increasingly difficult for the Razorbacks to close the deficit.

Razorbacks Face Challenges Throughout

A closer look reveals the challenges faced by Arkansas throughout the game. Despite an initial strong start, the Razorbacks encountered difficulties maintaining consistency. Offensively, they struggled to find a rhythm, especially in the latter stages of the game. Free throws became a critical factor, with Arkansas converting only 4 of 9 attempts compared to Ole Miss's 9 of 13. This disparity underscored the importance of capitalizing on every opportunity, a lesson the Razorbacks will need to address moving forward.

Early in the first half, Arkansas established a lead, thanks to Boogie Fland's quick scoring. However, Ole Miss responded swiftly, narrowing the gap and eventually tying the game at halftime. The Razorbacks' inability to sustain their momentum became evident as the game progressed. Adou Thiero's missed dunk attempt and subsequent scoring drought highlighted the team's struggles. Nelly Davis provided some relief with his three-point shooting, but it wasn't enough to overcome Ole Miss's defensive prowess. By the end of the game, the Razorbacks had missed multiple crucial shots, leading to a disheartening loss. The game served as a reminder of the need for improved consistency and execution in high-pressure situations.

More Stories
see more