SEC Tournament Results: Ole Miss Basketball Stun Texas Longhorns in Thrilling Win

Chris Beard and Co. take down the Longhorns in Nashville, advance to Round 2 after thrilling win.

Feb 21, 2026; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard talks with guard Patton Pinkins (23) during the second half against the Florida Gators at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Ole Miss defense proved to be too much as it downed Texas 76-66 on Wednesday night in the First Round of the SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena.

With under a minute and a half to go in the game, Ilias Kamadine would secure the win for the Rebels after scoring a fastbreak euro-step layup to put the team up 72-63.

Ole Miss (13-19, 4-14 SEC) made its defensive presence felt early in the first half, swiping three steals and recording three blocks, allowing the offense to get out to a 5-0 lead.

Texas (18-14, 9-9 SEC) would battle back to get within one possession with under thirteen minutes left in the half; however, that would be the last time the Longhorns got within a possession the rest of the half.

With five blocks and eight steals, the Ole Miss defense continued to keep Texas at bay and ride Malik Dia's 17 first-half points to a 41-30 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Rebels continued to cruise, maintaining a five-to-10-point lead throughout the first 15 minutes of action.

With four minutes left to play, Texas's Jordan Pope hit a three-pointer to put the Longhorns within three, 66-63. However, a made dunk by James Scott followed by a tipped-in layup on the next possession would set up Kamardine's games-sealing layup.

Courtesy of Ole Miss Rebels Basketball.

The Rebels now prepare for Georgia on Thursday, March 12, in the Second Round of the SEC Tournament at 6 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.

For the latest news and updates regarding Ole Miss Men's Basketball, follow the Rebels on X at @OleMissMBB, on Facebook at Ole Miss Men's Basketball and on Instagram at olemissmbb.

NOTABLES
- With just three turnovers, Ole Miss matched the SEC Tournament record, last done by Vanderbilt in 2004 and Alabama in 1997.
- Malik Dia led all scorers with 23 points, his sixth 20-point game in the past eight contests.
- James Scott narrowly missed a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds, while adding three blocks and a steal on defense.
- Ole Miss set a new season best with 12 steals tonight, led by Ilias Kamardine and Patton Pinkins with three each.

More Ole Miss News:

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The SEC Tournament Bracket: Ole Miss Basketball Eyeing Upset Win Over Texas Longhorns

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