Ole Miss Rebels vs Texas Longhorns Picks and Predictions January 29th 2025

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Chris Beard Faces Former Team as No. 23 Ole Miss Meets Texas: Key Storylines and Game Preview

In what promises to be one of the most compelling matchups of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) season, No. 23 Ole Miss hosts an unranked but surging Texas on Wednesday in Oxford, Mississippi. The game features high stakes, emotional narratives, and two teams with plenty to prove. At the heart of the story is Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard, who faces his former team for the first time since being fired by Texas in January 2023.

Both teams are navigating distinct challenges: Ole Miss seeks to snap a three-game SEC losing streak, while Texas rides the momentum of back-to-back wins against ranked opponents. Here’s a closer look at the key storylines, recent performances, and players to watch ahead of this much-anticipated contest.

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Ole Miss: Ranked, but Struggling to Rebound

The Rebels (15-5, 4-3 SEC) began their SEC campaign on a high note with four straight wins but have since stumbled, dropping three consecutive games against top-tier opponents. Their latest defeat, an 83-75 loss to then-No. 22 Missouri on the road, has exposed areas for improvement, particularly on defense and late-game execution.

Despite the skid, individual players have shown promise:

  • Malik Dia led the charge against Missouri with 17 points, continuing his steady offensive contributions.
  • Sean Pedulla added 15 points, showcasing his ability to create opportunities.
  • Jaemyn Brakefield delivered 14 points in his first start of the season, hinting at potential changes to the lineup moving forward.
  • Matthew Murrell, a consistent scorer, contributed 12 points but struggled to make a significant impact.

Head coach Chris Beard remains confident that the team can course-correct. “This is the SEC. A two-game winning streak and it’s free breakfast burritos, people want to throw you a parade. A two-game losing streak, you feel like the sun won’t come up tomorrow,” Beard said. “We’ve just got to keep working.”

The Rebels have fallen seven spots in the Top 25 rankings during this skid, making this game a pivotal moment to regain their footing in the SEC race.

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Texas: A Team Finding Its Rhythm

The Longhorns (14-6, 3-4 SEC) head into this matchup riding high after consecutive victories over Missouri and No. 13 Texas A&M. Their recent success is even more impressive given the adversity they’ve faced this season, including a rocky start to conference play and a 24-point loss to No. 5 Florida.

Texas’s comeback win over Texas A&M last week epitomized their resilience. Trailing by 22 points with just 17 minutes to play, the Longhorns stormed back to secure a dramatic 70-69 victory, capped by Tramon Mark’s game-winning layup with 3.7 seconds remaining.

Freshman phenom Tre Johnson delivered a career-high 30 points, including 24 in the second half, earning him SEC Freshman of the Week honors. His emergence as a reliable scorer has been a game-changer for Texas.

“We have a group that hasn’t been assembled together very long,” said head coach Rodney Terry, who stepped in as interim coach after Beard’s departure and led Texas to the Elite Eight last season. “It takes time to learn how to win at winning time, but we’re getting better.”

The Longhorns have also found consistency in close games, thanks to contributions from players like Mark and Johnson. With five new starters this season, the team is beginning to gel and looks poised to challenge SEC opponents down the stretch.


Chris Beard’s Reunion with Texas

The storyline of Chris Beard facing Texas adds an extra layer of intrigue to this game. Beard was dismissed by the Longhorns in January 2023 following off-court issues, despite a strong tenure that included building a highly competitive roster. Now leading Ole Miss, Beard has quickly reinvigorated the Rebels’ program, guiding them to a Top 25 ranking early in his first season.

Beard’s history with Texas ensures this game will be emotionally charged. While he’s downplayed the significance of facing his former team, it’s impossible to ignore the added stakes. His ability to motivate his players and execute his game plan could be the deciding factor in a tightly contested matchup.

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Key Players to Watch

Ole Miss

  • Malik Dia: A consistent scoring option who can stretch defenses with his shooting.
  • Jaemyn Brakefield: Coming off a strong debut as a starter, he could provide a spark.
  • Matthew Murrell: The team’s leading scorer needs a big performance to help Ole Miss regain momentum.

Texas

  • Tre Johnson: The standout freshman is the Longhorns’ most dynamic player and a proven closer.
  • Tramon Mark: His clutch play against Texas A&M shows he can deliver under pressure.
  • Dillon Mitchell: A versatile forward who contributes on both ends of the court.

Game Outlook and Expectations

This game is a battle of narratives as much as talent. Ole Miss, ranked but reeling, is desperate to avoid a fourth straight loss and restore confidence. Texas, unranked but rising, is determined to extend its win streak and prove its place among the SEC’s top contenders.

The Rebels will rely on their home-court advantage and the leadership of Beard, who understands the strengths and weaknesses of his former players. Meanwhile, Texas will look to build on their newfound chemistry and lean on breakout performances from players like Tre Johnson.


Conclusion

As No. 23 Ole Miss hosts Texas, the stakes go far beyond the scoreboard. For Chris Beard, this is more than just another SEC game—it’s a chance to prove himself against his former program. For the Rebels, it’s an opportunity to halt their slide and reassert their place among the SEC’s elite. And for the Longhorns, it’s another step in their journey toward cohesion and consistency.

This game has all the elements of a classic: personal storylines, high-pressure stakes, and two teams hungry for a win. Don’t miss it—it’s bound to be a showdown to remember.

By Kody Miller | October 28, 2024
By Rick Rockwell | June 20, 2024
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