Men’s Basketball Secures Clutch Road-Win at Texas A&M, 71-68

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Trailing by seven with under four minutes to go, the Ole Miss men's basketball team used clutch shooting and strong defense to tie the game at 60 and eventually storm back in a tough environment, picking up a 71-68 victory at Texas A&M on Saturday night in Reed Arena.

The Rebels (17-3, 4-3 SEC) used a 13-2 run at the end of the first half and an 18-8 run at the end of the game to lead them to victory.

It was the home team that took an early lead and held on for a majority of the first half. However, the Rebels kept up with strong defense and chipped away. Down by nine with just over three minutes left of action, Jaylen Murray responded to an Aggie (12-8, 3-4 SEC) score with a three to make it 27-21. A score from Allen Flanigan and make from deep by Brandon Murray cut the deficit to one, before a jumper by Flanigan from the side of the basket capped off a 10-0 run to give Ole Miss their first lead of the game.

Following a pair of Aggie free throws with 23 seconds left, Matthew Murrell used a pump fake to create space on the ensuing Ole Miss possession, connecting on a three as the halftime buzzer went off to put the Rebels up 31-29 at the half.

The Rebels extended their advantage early, up 44-33 before the home team's defense helped them claw back to take a three-point lead with eight minutes left. With just under three minutes left on the clock, Brandon Murray converted an and-one opportunity on a strong drive. A put-back by Jaemyn Brakefield tied the game at 60, before Jaylen Murray found Murrell in the middle of the floor for a jumper to take a 62-60 lead with just over a minute on the board.

While the Aggies drew the scoreboard even once again at 62 on a pair of free throws, Jaylen Murray sunk a clutch three from near the halfcourt logo with 20 seconds left.

Texas A&M responded to a pair of makes from the free throw line with 11 seconds on the clock, making it a one-point game at 67-66. The two team's traded free throws to set the scoreboard at 69-68 with seven seconds left.

Murrell iced the game with two free throws to help seal the road victory.

In the seventh game between the Aggies and Rebels in College Station, this is the first win for Ole Miss.

Brandon Murray tied his career-best with eight rebounds today in 22 minutes of action. The Rebels were led in scoring by Jaylen Murray with 16 points, connecting on four threes in a game for the fifth time this year. Brakefield added 15 while Flanigan scored 11.

The Ole Miss defense was led down low by Moussa Cisse, who connected on three blocks, while Flanigan added a trio of steals and one swat.

Texas A&M was led by Wade Taylor IV with 30 points.

Ole Miss returns home next for a rivalry game with Mississippi State in the SJB Pavilion on Tuesday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. 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.

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Team Stats

Jaylen Murray

Jaemyn Brakefield

Allen Flanigan

Matthew Murrell

Players Mentioned

Jaemyn Brakefield

Moussa Cisse

Allen Flanigan

Brandon Murray

Jaylen Murray

Matthew Murrell

The University of Mississippi Athletics