The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss
8-1,0-0SEC
Lindenwood
3-6,0-0OVC
No. 20 Men’s Basketball Tops Lindenwood Saturday Night in Oxford
12/7/2024 | Men's Basketball
OXFORD, Miss. – Strong second half shooting and stout defense propelled the No. 20 Ole Miss men’s basketball team (8-1) to an 86-53 win over Lindenwood (3-6) Saturday night at the SJB Pavilion. Ole Miss shot 57.7 percent (15-for-26) over the final 20 minutes and held the Lions to only 20 second-half points.
Both sides traded buckets throughout the majority of the first half.
Sean Pedulla led the Rebels with 12 first-half points including four triples. Lindenwood knocked down five first-half threes, and kept the game all square all the way down to the 1:58 mark of the first half. The Rebels generated a quick 6-0 run over the final stretch thanks to buckets from Mikeal Brown-Jones and a three from Pedulla to close the half with a 39-33 lead.
Feels good to be back in the SJB Pavilion #HottyToddy x #Culture pic.twitter.com/uo9yfs5xSf
— Ole Miss Men’s Basketball (@OleMissMBB) December 8, 2024
The offense got rolling with 15:01 left as the Rebels stretched their lead to double-digits for the first time on the night. Dre Davis led Ole Miss with 10 second-half points including 4-of-6 at the charity stripe.
The Rebel defense was active over the final 20 minutes generating three steals and six Lion turnovers. Ole Miss has now forced nine or more turnovers in seven of their nine games this season.
A 14-2 run over 3:27 stretched the lead to 62-42 with 10:53 to play. Four different Rebels reached double-figures in the scoring column with Pedulla leading the way with 19.
Our house ??#HottyToddy x #Culture pic.twitter.com/3gSgMz7gd3
— Ole Miss Men’s Basketball (@OleMissMBB) December 8, 2024
Davis and Pedulla each had six rebounds to lead the Rebels, while Jaylen Murray led Ole Miss with seven assists. It marks Murray’s sixth game this season with five or more helpers.
Ole Miss will have the midweek off before taking on Southern Miss (4-4) Saturday, Dec. 14. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CT in Biloxi and on SEC Network+ as the Rebels continue their tour around the Magnolia State.
NOTABLES
- Ole Miss shot 51.7 percent (31-for-60) in the win over Lindenwood. The Rebels have now shot 50.0 percent or better in four of their nine games this season.
- The Rebel defense held Lindenwood to just 35.3 percent (18-for-51) from the floor and just 20 second half points, their fewest allowed in a game this season. The 53 points allowed in the win is the fewest since a 77-51, victory on Jan. 24, 2024, against Arkansas.
- Four Rebels scored in double-figures: Sean Pedulla (19), Mikeal Brown-Jones (14), Dre Davis (14) and Davon Barnes (11). It marks Pedulla’s third game this season leading the team in scoring.
- Jaylen Murray now has six games this season with five or more assists. He has led the team in passing in six games this season.
- Ole Miss dominated in the paint for their second straight game outscoring Lindenwood 38-18 in the trenches.
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.
Gallery: MBB vs Lindenwood
