Rebels Drop NIT Tip-Off Championship to Unbeaten Oklahoma State

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Ole Miss men's basketball team could not stop undefeated Oklahoma State, falling 78-37 in the championship game of the NIT Tip-Off. The Cowboys (7-0) broke the game open midway through the first half, and the Rebels (5-2) were unable to replicate another huge comeback like they did in the semifinals.

Freshman forward Antavion Collum scored a career-high seven points, while senior Breein Tyree matched the output to pace Ole Miss in scoring. Devontae Shuler added seven rebounds and five assists, both team highs.

Four Cowboys reached double figures in scoring, including a game-high 15 by Cameron McGriff. Ole Miss limited Oklahoma State to 29.6 percent (8 of 27) from long distance, holding an opponent under 30 percent from beyond the arc for the sixth consecutive game.

The game began as a back-and-forth battle before Oklahoma State took control over the final eight minutes of the first half. Tyree hit a jumper to get the Rebels within two, 16-14, but the Cowboys closed the half by taking the momentum. Keeping Ole Miss without a field goal for the remainder of the half, Oklahoma State used an 18-1 run to take a 34-15 lead into the locker room.

OSU kept its foot on the gas in the second half, and the Rebels did not have an answer. Collum scored six of his seven points through the game's last eight minutes.

After spending Thanksgiving week in the Big Apple, Ole Miss returns home to begin the month of December. The Rebels' difficult schedule continues by hosting Butler inside The Pavilion at Ole Miss (Dec. 3). Receiving votes in both national polls, the Bulldogs are 7-0 and could be ranked by the time the new polls come out on Monday. Tipoff for the big non-conference matchup is slated for 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network.

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

TIPINS

Ole Miss suffered its first loss ever in the Barclays Center, dropping to 3-1 all-time.
Breein Tyree and KJ Buffen were named to the all-tournament team.
Freshman forward Antavion Collum tallied a career-high seven points.
Breein Tyree scored seven points to pass Jason Smith (1,286) and move into a tie with Marshall Henderson (1,293) at 21st on the program's all-time scoring list.
The Rebels held the opposition to under 30 percent from beyond the arc for the sixth straight game.

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Team Stats

Antavion Collum

Breein Tyree

Blake Hinson

KJ Buffen

Players Mentioned

KJ Buffen

Antavion Collum

Devontae Shuler

Breein Tyree

Players Mentioned

KJ Buffen

Antavion Collum

Devontae Shuler

Breein Tyree

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