Ole Miss Rebels Hold On For Big Road Win Over UCF Knights
It was another nail-biter, but the Ole Miss Rebels managed to hold on for a 70-68 road win over the UCF Knights in Orlando on Sunday afternoon.
The Rebels (9-0) led 37-30 at halftime, and they held a 66-60 lead with just over a minute left in the game. UCF then made a late run and cut the Ole Miss lead to 68-67, and the Rebels' Matthew Murrell committed a costly turnover with under a minute remaining that gave a crucial possession to the Knights.
After a UCF timeout, the Ole Miss defense was able to force a huge stop and shot clock violation that sent Allen Flanigan to the free throw line for the Rebels. He sank both free throws with just over four seconds remaining, and the Rebels then purposefully fouled to set up a free throw opportunity for the Knights and eliminate a potential three-point play.
Dec 2, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard reacts during the second half against the Memphis Tigers at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
UCF sank one of its free throws, and Ole Miss turned the ball over on the inbound, giving the Knights what appeared to be the game-tying layup, but the clock expired before the ball left the hands of Marchelus Avery, securing yet another close win for the Rebels in the 2023-24 season.
Flanigan led the Rebels in scoring with 18 points, and he was followed by 14 points off the bench by TJ Caldwell. Joining them in double digits was Murrell with 12 points and Jaylen Murray with 10 points.
As a team, Ole Miss shot 44.4 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. UCF, by comparison, shot 36.8 and 18.2 percent in those categories, respectively.
The Rebels remained undefeated on the season and in the Chris Beard era on Sunday, and their next action will come in the 2023 Hall of Fame Series in San Antonio when they face the California Golden Bears on Saturday.
Tip-off in that game is set for 6:30 p.m. CT, and it will be televised on SEC Network.
