Post by : Maya Rahman

In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday night, Ole Miss secured an 83-77 victory against Memphis in Oxford, Mississippi, extending their unbeaten record to 3-0. Star guard Ilias Kamardine lit up the scoreboard with 26 points, cementing his role as a key player in a competitive rivalry game.

The senior from Marseille displayed remarkable shooting skills, hitting 11 of 14 shots. His impressive performance included 16 points in the first half, where he expertly exploited gaps in Memphis’ defense. As the game progressed, Kamardine's confidence shone through, delivering crucial baskets when needed the most.

Although Kamardine garnered much of the spotlight, he was well-supported by his teammates. Kezza Giffa was instrumental, contributing 15 points and five assists, maintaining the Rebels' dominance in the second half. Malik Dia added 13 points and six rebounds, offering strength in the paint to combat Memphis' final surge.

The Memphis Tigers displayed grit but struggled in the second half, failing to gain momentum. Curtis Givens III led Memphis with 20 points, using his agility to penetrate Ole Miss’ defense effectively. Ashton Hardaway also made an impact off the bench with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, alongside Dug McDaniel’s solid performance of 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

Early on, the game was tightly contested, marked by frequent score changes. At one point, the score was tied at 17 before Memphis endured a three-minute scoring drought, allowing Ole Miss to build a lead of 23-17. The momentum swung further in their favor as back-to-back three-pointers from Travis Perry and Giffa concluded the first half at 42-33.

Kamardine’s late scoring spree in the first half was crucial, contributing nine unanswered points that set the tone for the Rebels. Despite Hardaway’s 11 points in the first half, Memphis struggled against Ole Miss' cohesive offensive approach, and the home crowd cheered as the Rebels entered halftime with a nine-point advantage.

In the second half, Ole Miss maintained control and stretched the lead to 70-59 after a basket from Giffa, effectively fending off Memphis’ late-game attempts to close the gap. Although the Tigers brought the score within four points twice in the final minutes, Ole Miss made the necessary plays to clinch the victory.

AJ Storr, a Kansas transfer averaging 18.5 points per game, added 10 points, including vital free throws late in the game, ensuring Ole Miss held their lead. This performance not only underlined the Rebels’ depth but also continued their impressive streak over Memphis, marking their seventh consecutive victory in this rivalry.

As for Memphis, the search for their first win in Oxford since December 17, 2005, continues. For Ole Miss, this win reinforces their early-season momentum and highlights the blend of seasoned players and new faces ready to challenge formidable opponents.

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