The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss
Carson Newman College (Exhibition)
Rebels Manhandle Carson-Newman in Final Preseason Tune-up
11/15/2003 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 15, 2003
Box Score
OXFORD, Miss. - With the season-opener less than a week away, Ole Miss turned in a dominant exhibition win over Carson-Newman College, 87-49, Saturday at Tad Smith Coliseum.
The Rebels displayed the defensive prowess that has become a trademark of Rod Barnes' squads. Ole Miss limited the Eagles to 36 percent shooting and 23 second-half points and finished with a 32-24 rebounding edge.
Ole Miss was also clicking offensively, firing at 60 percent clip and notching six players with nine or more points. Senior forward Justin Reed led all scorers with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Aaron Harper dropped in 19 with eight assists and four boards.
Off the Rebel bench, junior transfer Ed Glass chipped in with 13 points, while Cavadas Nunnery tallied seven assists.
"I thought we played hard most of the game," Barnes said. "Carson-Newman did some things that we had not worked on, like playing zone, and I was happy with how we responded. I was pleased with the level of energy and excitement.
"We straighten out some things during halftime. We are trying to get certain guys in different situations. I thought we played with a greater sense of urgency in the second half."
Carson-Newman, who advanced to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 a year ago, led 11-9 at the 13:17 mark in the first half, but a Reed jumper would tie the game and spur a 28-15 run to close out the opening half.
Todd Lucas was the only Eagle in double-digits with 10 points.
The Rebels, who outscored the Southeastern All-Stars 103-91 in their only other exhibition, officially open the 2003-04 campaign Friday at home. Ole Miss takes on Arkansas State at 7 p.m. CT at Tad Smith Coliseum.
