From UM Media Relations:
GAME 31
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2020
Time: 5:30 p.m. CT
Location: Starkville, Miss.
Arena: Humphrey Coliseum (10,575)
Television: SEC Network
Paul Sunderland, play-by-play
Pat Bradley, analyst
Radio: Ole Miss Sports Network (XM - 383, Sirius/XM Internet - 373)
David Kellum, play-by-play
Marc Dukes, analyst
Live Video: ESPN.com/ESPN app
Live Audio: OleMissSports.com/TuneIn app
Series: MSU leads 144-117
Last Meeting: Feb. 11, 2020
Ole Miss won 83-58
Oxford, Miss.
TIPOFF TIDBITS
- The Rebels and the Bulldogs are the SEC's most-played rivalry, having met 261 times.
- Ole Miss has won 10 of the last 13 matchups against MSU, including an 81-77 victory in Starkville last year and an 83-58 win in Oxford one month ago.
- The 25-point win last month was the Rebels' fifth-largest margin of victory in the 261-game history of the rivalry.
- Over his career, Breein Tyree is averaging 13.8 ppg; in seven career games against MSU, he is averaging 20.9 ppg which includes a career-high 40 points in the first matchup this season.
- Blake Hinson scored a career-high 26 points in last year's game in Starkville, the most points scored by an Ole Miss freshman since Jarvis Summers scored 27 points at Penn State (Dec. 4, 2011).
- Breein Tyree is the SEC's leading active scorer with 1,768 career points, ranked seventh on the Ole Miss all-time scoring list; he is also sixth in program history in three-pointers made (203).
- Ole Miss is coming off back-to-back home victories over Vanderbilt (86-60) and Missouri (75-67).
- The Rebels have two SEC victories of 25+ points in a season for the first time since the 1951-52 campaign.
- Breein Tyree averages 22.9 ppg in SEC play to rank second in the conference; he increased his scoring output from non-conference to SEC play in each of his first three seasons as well.
- The Rebels rank 16th nationally in defending the three-point line; opponents are shooting 29.0 percent.
- Ole Miss starters have scored 1,048 of the team's 1,175 points in SEC play (89.1 percent).
- Breein Tyree has made 40 of his last 41 free throws (97.6 percent).
- All five starters are averaging double figures in wins: Breein Tyree (20.2 ppg), Blake Hinson (12.8 ppg), Devontae Shuler (11.9 ppg), KJ Buffen (11.5 ppg) and Khadim Sy (10.5 ppg).
- With 140 career steals, Devontae Shuler is tied with NBA Rebel/Toronto Raptor Terence Davis for 10th in Ole Miss history.
- Twelve of Ole Miss' 15 victories have been by double digits, including five in SEC play; the Rebels are 1-6 in games decided by five points or less, including an 0-5 mark in conference contests.
SEC LEADERS
- Breein Tyree ranks second in the SEC in scoring in conference play (22.9 ppg) and overall (20.0 ppg).
- Tyree is the SEC's active leader in career points (1,768) and field goals made (593).
- Devontae Shuler ranks second in the SEC in steals (1.8 per game) during conference play and fifth overall (1.7 per game).
- Shuler is one of two SEC guards (Ashton Hagans-Kentucky) to average at least 1.7 steals per game and boast at least a 1.8 assist/turnover ratio; both marks rank top five in the SEC.
- The Rebels are limiting opponents to a 29.0 three-point field goal percentage, including 28.6 percent in conference action; both marks rank second in the SEC.
- Ole Miss ranks third in steals (7.1) during SEC play.
SCOUTING MSU
MSU enters Saturday's rivalry contest with a 19-11 record, including a 10-7 mark in SEC play, following a road loss to South Carolina (March 3). The Bulldogs are one of the best rebounding teams in the country, ranking 17th nationally and leading the SEC with a +6.8 rebounding margin. MSU also defends the rim, averaging 5.0 blocks per game to rank 16th in the nation. Reggie Perry averages 17.2 ppg and 9.9 rpg to pace the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding. Tyson Carter adds 14.1 ppg and leads the team in assists (3.0 per game). Nick Weatherspoon (11.7 ppg) and Robert Woodard III (11.4 ppg) also average double figures. Ben Howland is in his fifth season as MSU's head coach. His 24th season as a head coach, Howland's previous stops include Northern Arizona (1995-99), Pittsburgh (2000-03) and UCLA (2004-13).
SERIES HISTORY
The Bulldogs are Ole Miss' most-played opponent, having met 261 times on the hardwood, which is also the SEC's most-played rivalry. Mississippi State holds a 144-117 lead in the series, which began in 1914, but the Rebels have won 10 of the last 13 matchups, the best streak against the Bulldogs since winning nine of 12 from 1980-85. Included in that stretch were eight straight wins from 1980-83. Ole Miss has won three of the past five meetings in Starkville.
LAST TIME WE MET
The Pavilion was electric, reigning SEC Player of the Week Breein Tyree could not be stopped, and Ole Miss turned a halftime deficit into a blowout victory over its archrival. Behind a career-high 40 points from Tyree, the Rebels rolled to an 83-58 victory over Mississippi State (Feb. 11). The 25-point win was the fifth-largest margin of victory for Ole Miss in the SEC's most-played rivalry. Ole Miss starters scored all 83 of the team's points with Tyree leading the way. Facing the rival Bulldogs for the final time in The Pavilion, the senior saved up his best game one day after being named conference player of the week. Tyree made 13 of his 22 shot attempts, which included four three-pointers. He knocked down his free throws as well, going 10 for 11 from the stripe. The Somerset, New Jersey, native outscored MSU by himself 27-24 in the second half. Khadim Sy played his best SEC game, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the first half to keep Ole Miss within striking distance. The junior added a team-high eight rebounds to match his career best. Classmate Devontae Shuler tallied 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and zero turnovers. On the defensive end of the floor, the Rebels limited MSU to 36.7 percent clip (18 of 49) that included only seven second half field goals.
INSIDE THE RIVALRY VICTORY
Ole Miss had a special rivalry win over Mississippi State (Feb. 11), beating the Bulldogs for the 10th time over the past 13 meetings. Here are some other notable nuggets from the 83-58 victory.
- The 25-point win was the Rebels' fifth-largest margin of victory in the 261-game history of the rivalry, the SEC's most-played rivalry.
- At the time, before the Rebels beat Vanderbilt by 26 last week, the 25-point win was Ole Miss' largest margin of victory in any SEC game since beating MSU by 27 (88-61, Jan. 31, 2017).
- Ole Miss trailed by 13 twice in the first half. It was the Rebels' largest deficit overcome in SEC play since rallying from down 13 to beat Mississippi State 64-58 (Jan. 6, 2018).
- Breein Tyree became the first Rebel to score 40 points in an SEC game since Stefan Moody dropped 43 against MSU (March 3, 2016).
LAST SEASON IN STARKVILLE
In a hostile environment, Ole Miss outlasted No. 14 Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum (Jan. 12, 2019). The Rebels clawed back into the game towards the end of the first half and controlled the game late against the Bulldogs en route to an 81-77 victory. Blake Hinson led the Rebels with a career-high 26 points on 8 of 16 shooting, including a career-high five made threes. The Rebels had four double-digit scorers. Breein Tyree, after going down with an injury early in the game, scored 19 points and was 8 of 9 from the free-throw line. Terence Davis and Devontae Shuler had 12 and 10, respectively. MSU was led by Quinndary Weatherspoon, who had 18 points on 6 of 12 shooting. The win marked back-to-back victories over ranked teams after Ole Miss beat No. 10 Auburn earlier in the week, vaulting the Rebels into the top 25 themselves for the first time in six years the following week.
TYREE'S TASTE FOR THE RIVALRY
Breein Tyree enjoys the big moment, and playing in rivalry games is no different. Through seven games against MSU over his career, he is averaging 20.9 ppg and shooting 52.1 percent (49 of 94). After scoring seven points in his rivalry debut, Tyree exploded for 24 points to lead the Rebels to an 87-82 overtime victory at Humphrey Coliseum (Feb. 21, 2017). The output was his best of his freshman season. As a sophomore, Tyree scored all 16 of his points in the second half to rally the Rebels to another win in the rivalry (Jan. 6, 2018). One month later in Starkville (Feb. 17, 2018), he tallied 15 points on 6 of 9 shooting. In the first matchup of last season (Jan. 12), Tyree scored the final four points of the game. His layup with one minute to go broke a 77-77 tie, and he converted two free throws with nine seconds remaining to finish with 19 points and lead the Rebels to a road victory. One month later in Oxford, he scored 25 points that included shooting 5 of 7 from beyond the arc. Tyree saved his best game when he faced the rivals one final time in The Pavilion, scoring a career-high 40 points in an 83-58 blowout victory (Feb. 11).
HINSON'S RIVALRY MOMENT
Blake Hinson had best game in his first taste of the rivalry with Mississippi State (Jan. 12, 2019). Scoring a career-high 26 points, Hinson led Ole Miss to an 81-77 win over the No. 14 Bulldogs in Starkville last year. After recording a team-high 10 points in the first half to keep the Rebels within striking distance down two, he scored 11 of the team's first 12 second half points. Ole Miss trailed by nine early in the final period, and Hinson drilled three straight three-pointers. He connected on five from long range throughout the afternoon. Hinson's 26 points were the most by an Ole Miss freshman in a game since Jarvis Summers scored 27 points at Penn State (Dec. 4, 2011). The game-high output was the most by a Rebel freshman in an SEC game since March 2, 2011 (30 by Dundrecous Nelson at Auburn).
RIVALRY CONNECTION
His alma mater is now his rival. Now in the Red and Blue, Kermit Davis is 2-1 against MSU. Davis earned a varsity letter playing basketball for the Bulldogs in 1982, completing his bachelor's degree in the same year. Two years later, he finished up school with a master's degree at MSU. Davis' father, Kermit Davis Sr., was MSU's head coach from 1971-77.
TYREE LEADS REBELS TO VICTORY ON SENIOR NIGHT
Playing his final game in The Pavilion, Breein Tyree made sure his Senior Night was a victorious one. The senior guard scored 13 of his game-high 19 points in the second half, breaking a tie and leading the Rebels to a 75-67 victory over a scrappy Missouri team Wednesday night. With the Tigers throwing everything but the kitchen sink at him for 40 minutes, Tyree had one of the most efficient games of his career. He shot 6 of 9 from the floor, while making all six of his free throw attempts. The Somerset, New Jersey, native distributed the ball as well with a team-high five assists. Sophomore Blake Hinson was the catalyst for Ole Miss in the first half. He matched Tyree in scoring by tallying all 19 of his points in the opening 20 minutes. Classmate KJ Buffen produced his second double-double of the season, recording 13 points with a team-high 10 rebounds. Khadim Sy also reached double figures with 12 points. The Rebels tied a season high with 25 made free throws, finishing 25 of 33 (75.8 percent) after making their first 18.
TYREE NAMED HOWELL TROPHY FINALIST
For the second consecutive year, Ole Miss guard Breein Tyree has been named a finalist for the C Spire Howell Trophy, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame announced (March 2). The leading scorer in SEC play is one of three finalists up for the award, given to the best men's college basketball player in the state of Mississippi. Joining Tyree as finalists are Mississippi State's Reggie Perry and Ledarius Woods of Tougaloo. The award, named after the legendary Bailey Howell, will be presented to one of the three finalists at a luncheon next week (March 9) at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson. A statewide panel of media who cover college basketball in the state of Mississippi selected the finalists and will vote among the finalists for a winner. Their votes account for 90 percent of the final vote and fan voting, conducted by C Spire, accounts for a weighted 10 percent of the final vote.
SHARING THE ROCK
The Rebels dished out 26 assists in Saturday's victory over the Commodores, the most assists by any SEC team in a single game this season. For Ole Miss, it was the most assists in a game since recording 32 against Centenary (Dec. 19, 2009). It was the program's most assists in an SEC game since Jan. 11, 1979, producing 26 versus rival Mississippi State. The school record for assists in a single game is 33 (Dec. 30, 1989 vs. Sam Houston State).
BLOWOUT VICTORIES
Ole Miss' 26-point win over Vanderbilt on Saturday was the team's largest margin of victory in conference play since an 88-61 win over Mississippi State (Jan. 31, 2017). The Rebels defeated the Bulldogs earlier this season (Feb. 11), 83-58, to give them a pair of SEC wins over 25 points-or-more. The last time Ole Miss won two conference games in a season by at least 25 points was during the 1951-52 campaign. The Rebels destroyed Georgia 103-52 (Jan. 7, 1952) before beating Georgia Tech 94-64 on the road (Jan. 14, 1952). The Yellow Jackets are now a member of the ACC.
BREEIN LOVES SEC PLAY
Ole Miss senior Breein Tyree thrives during conference play. Not only is he the leading active scorer in the SEC (1,768 points), but he paces the conference in scoring during league games (22.9 ppg). This isn't new to Tyree as his scoring output increased from non-conference action to SEC play in each of his first three seasons. He has kept the trend going as a senior, scoring 26 points against Texas A&M (Jan. 7) in the conference opener before tallying 27 versus Arkansas (Jan. 11). After missing the Florida game due to a back injury, Tyree returned better than ever and scored 36 points versus LSU (Jan. 18). With those performances, Tyree became the first Rebel to score at least 25 points in each of the first three SEC games of the season since Joe Harvell (1992). During the 1991-92 campaign, Harvell started conference play with four consecutive 30-point games. Since then, Tyree added a 38-point performance against South Carolina (Feb. 5) and a 40-point night versus Mississippi State (Feb. 11).
Tyree's Seasons Non-Conference SEC
2016-17 (Freshman) 5.1 ppg 9.3 ppg
2017-18 (Sophomore) 9.0 ppg 12.3 ppg
2018-19 (Junior) 16.5 ppg 19.1 ppg
2019-20 (Senior) 16.5 ppg 22.9 ppg
TYREE'S BIG GAMES
Breein Tyree has 15 20-point games on the season, producing three such contests in November and three in December to go along with nine in SEC play. He has 37 20-point games over his Ole Miss career. His biggest game as a Rebel was a career-high 40 points to lead Ole Miss to a blowout win over rival Mississippi State (Feb. 11), the most points by a Rebel since Deandre Burnett scored 41 points against Oral Roberts (Nov. 18, 2016). It was the most scored by an Ole Miss player in an SEC game since Stefan Moody dropped 43 to lead the Rebels over MSU on his senior night (March 3, 2016). Tyree also had 34 against Middle Tennessee (Dec. 14), 36 versus LSU (Jan. 18) and 38 against South Carolina to give him six 30-point games for his career.
BALANCED SCORING LEADS TO VICTORIES
It's no secret that a balanced offense helps in seeking victories. When Ole Miss finds that balance, it usually leads to positive outcomes. In wins, all five Rebel starters average double figures: Breein Tyree (20.2 ppg), Blake Hinson (12.8 ppg), Devontae Shuler (11.9 ppg), KJ Buffen (11.5 ppg) and Khadim Sy (10.5 ppg). In losses, Tyree (19.9 ppg) and Shuler (11.3 ppg) are the only Rebels scoring in double digits. During Saturday's win versus Vanderbilt, each starter reached double figures.
DEFENDING THE LONG BALL
Ole Miss has become one of the best teams in defending the new three-point line this season. The Rebels rank 16th nationally as opponents have shot just 29.0 percent from long distance. Ole Miss has kept opponents under 25 percent in 11 games this season.
CLOSE HEARTBREAKERS
Close games have gone against the Rebels all season long. Ole Miss is 1-6 in games decided by five points or less, including 0-5 in SEC play. Four of the Rebels' five losses at home have been by single digits with three SEC games decided by four points or less. Had some of the close games gone in favor of the Red and Blue, Ole Miss would be looking at a chance to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.
CLIMBING THE CAREER CHARTS
In his final year as a Rebel, senior guard Breein Tyree ranks seventh on the all-time scoring list with 1,768 points. That career output leads all active players in the SEC. The Somerset, New Jersey, native scored 29 points at Missouri (Feb. 18) to pass current Ole Miss Athletics Director Keith Carter (1,682). Next on Tyree's climb up the charts is Justin Reed (1,785). Through 128 games in an Ole Miss uniform, Tyree has knocked down 203 three-pointers. Hitting a pair of treys at Auburn (Feb. 25), he became just the third Rebel in history to score at least 1,700 points and make at least 200 three-pointers over a career, joining Joe Harvell and Chris Warren.
VETERANS LEAD THE WAY
The Rebels are led by a veteran cast. Senior guard Breein Tyree (20.0 ppg), junior Devontae Shuler (11.4 ppg), sophomore Blake Hinson (10.6 ppg) and sophomore forward KJ Buffen (10.2 ppg) have accounted for 71.6 percent of the team's scoring this season. Tyree ranks second in the league in scoring, while Buffen paces the team in rebounding (6.1 per game) and blocks (0.9 per game). Shuler also leads the Rebels in assists (3.4 per game) and steals (1.7 per game), while ranking fourth in the conference in assist/turnover ratio (1.8). After missing four games due to injury, Hinson has put together 14 double-digit scoring performances, starting 25 games following the injury to Luis Rodriguez.
SHULER STATS
Junior guard Devontae Shuler leads the Rebels in assists (3.4) and steals (1.7). The Irmo, South Carolina, native is one of two players in the SEC to record at least 1.7 steals per game and a 1.8 assist/turnover ratio, joining Kentucky's Ashton Hagans in the conference's top five of each category. He has recorded at least two steals in 12 of the last 18 games. With a pair of steals against Missouri (March 4), Shuler increased his career total to 140 to tie former teammate Terence Davis for 10th on the Ole Miss career steals list. Against No. 16 Auburn (Jan. 28), he took over after Breein Tyree fouled out and finished with 26 points in 48 minutes of the double overtime battle. Shuler followed that performance with a career-high 28 points at No. 22 LSU (Feb. 1). He has six 20-point games over his career, including five this season.
NEEDING BUFFEN
KJ Buffen was a primary bench player during his freshman campaign, but the 6-foot-7 forward is an important piece of the Ole Miss lineup as a sophomore. Starting all 30 games, one of only two Rebels to start each game, Buffen is averaging 10.2 ppg along with a team-best 6.1 rpg. His rebounding average is 17th in the conference. The Gainesville, Georgia, native is also leading the team in blocks (0.9). Buffen tallied a career-high 23 points in a win over Norfolk State (Nov. 12) before producing his second career 20-point game to close out the calendar year against Tennessee Tech (Dec. 29). In Wednesday's victory over Missouri, Buffen produced his second career double-double with 13 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. His play factors into the outcome of games. Buffen averages 11.9 ppg and 7.3 rpg in wins, while tallying 8.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg in losses.
FRANCO MILLER NAMED TO SEC COMMUNITY SERVICE TEAM
Ole Miss redshirt-freshman guard Franco Miller Jr. was named to the 2020 SEC Men's Basketball Community Service Team, the league office announced March 5. Actively involved in the Oxford community, Miller was the only freshman to receive the recognition. Since arriving on campus, Miller has participated in Adopt-a-Basket, which gives food items to families in need during the Thanksgiving season. As part of Reading with the Rebels, he has visited several local schools to promote the importance of reading while sharing some of his favorite books. His biggest activity was coordinating a campus-wide Hurricane Dorian Relief Drive to help those affected by the devastating hurricane that hit his native country of The Bahamas.
HOME COOKIN'
When the Rebels were victorious at home, they won in dominating fashion. Eleven of Ole Miss' 12 wins in The Pavilion were by double digits, outscoring the opposition by an average of 18.5 ppg (77.5-59.0). The Rebels shot 49.9 percent in home victories. Meanwhile, Ole Miss held the opposition to 36.8 percent, including just 24.3 percent from three-point range. The Rebels finished with a 12-5 record at home this season.
DAVIS EARNS 500TH CAREER WIN
Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis picked up his 500th win as the Rebels defeated South Carolina at home (Feb. 5). In his 25th season as a college basketball head coach, Davis has collected 504 wins over 795 games (.634 winning percentage). His head coaching career started as a 24-year old at Southwest Mississippi Community College in 1984, the youngest junior college coach in the country, and he earned 66 victories over three season in the junior college ranks. Four years later at the age of 28, Davis became Idaho's head coach and was the youngest Division I head coach in the nation. Through 22 seasons as a Division I head coach, which includes becoming the winningest coach in Middle Tennessee and Sun Belt Conference history, Davis has 438 wins. He ranks 38th in victories among active Division I head coaches.
TD IN THE NBA
The Rebels are without 2018-19 Second Team All-SEC guard Terence Davis, who ranks 13th on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,512 points. After going undrafted, Davis turned heads in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and quickly earned a multi-year deal with the reigning champion Toronto Raptors. Davis has become a regular in the Raptors' rotation to start the NBA season. The Southaven, Mississippi, native matched LeBron James with 13 points in the Raptors' win over the Lakers (Nov. 10). Last month (Jan. 8), Davis was called upon to make his first career start, and boy did he deliver. The NBA Rebel scored 23 points and pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds, both team highs, to record his first double-double and lead the Raptors to a victory over the Hornets. Kicking off February, Davis tallied a career-high 31 points off the bench to help the Raptors beat the Bulls (Feb. 2). Averaging 8.0 ppg, he is only Raptor to play in all 61 of the team's games. Davis is the first Rebel to play in the NBA since Justin Reed (2005-07).
YEAR TWO OF THE DAVIS ERA
Kermit Davis is in his second season at the helm of Ole Miss Basketball. A nine-time conference coach of the year, Davis is 38th among active Division I head coaches with 438 career wins over 22 seasons, including stints at MT, Idaho and Texas A&M. In 25 seasons as a college basketball head coach, he has amassed 504 wins. Davis wasted no time making an impact in Oxford. With the Rebels coming off a last-place finish in 2017-18, the media picked Ole Miss to land at the bottom of the SEC standings again in 2018-19. However, the Rebels posted a 20-13 record to earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. With a return to March Madness for the sixth time in his career, Davis joined a list of 63 coaches in college basketball history to take three different schools to the NCAA Tournament. Davis was named SEC Coach of the Year by his peers and the Associated Press, earning conference coach of the year accolades for the ninth time in his career. He became the sixth Ole Miss coach to earn SEC Coach of the Year honors, while joining Andy Kennedy as the only Rebel coaches to collect the award in their first year in Oxford.
NEXT ON THE HARDWOOD
Up next, the Rebels head to Nashville for the SEC Tournament (March 11-15). Ole Miss play in the first round against either Georgia or Vanderbilt on Wednesday, March 11. Depending on how results play out Saturday will determine the seeding and tipoff time, but either way, the game will air on SEC Network.
GAME 31
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2020
Time: 5:30 p.m. CT
Location: Starkville, Miss.
Arena: Humphrey Coliseum (10,575)
Television: SEC Network
Paul Sunderland, play-by-play
Pat Bradley, analyst
Radio: Ole Miss Sports Network (XM - 383, Sirius/XM Internet - 373)
David Kellum, play-by-play
Marc Dukes, analyst
Live Video: ESPN.com/ESPN app
Live Audio: OleMissSports.com/TuneIn app
Series: MSU leads 144-117
Last Meeting: Feb. 11, 2020
Ole Miss won 83-58
Oxford, Miss.
TIPOFF TIDBITS
- The Rebels and the Bulldogs are the SEC's most-played rivalry, having met 261 times.
- Ole Miss has won 10 of the last 13 matchups against MSU, including an 81-77 victory in Starkville last year and an 83-58 win in Oxford one month ago.
- The 25-point win last month was the Rebels' fifth-largest margin of victory in the 261-game history of the rivalry.
- Over his career, Breein Tyree is averaging 13.8 ppg; in seven career games against MSU, he is averaging 20.9 ppg which includes a career-high 40 points in the first matchup this season.
- Blake Hinson scored a career-high 26 points in last year's game in Starkville, the most points scored by an Ole Miss freshman since Jarvis Summers scored 27 points at Penn State (Dec. 4, 2011).
- Breein Tyree is the SEC's leading active scorer with 1,768 career points, ranked seventh on the Ole Miss all-time scoring list; he is also sixth in program history in three-pointers made (203).
- Ole Miss is coming off back-to-back home victories over Vanderbilt (86-60) and Missouri (75-67).
- The Rebels have two SEC victories of 25+ points in a season for the first time since the 1951-52 campaign.
- Breein Tyree averages 22.9 ppg in SEC play to rank second in the conference; he increased his scoring output from non-conference to SEC play in each of his first three seasons as well.
- The Rebels rank 16th nationally in defending the three-point line; opponents are shooting 29.0 percent.
- Ole Miss starters have scored 1,048 of the team's 1,175 points in SEC play (89.1 percent).
- Breein Tyree has made 40 of his last 41 free throws (97.6 percent).
- All five starters are averaging double figures in wins: Breein Tyree (20.2 ppg), Blake Hinson (12.8 ppg), Devontae Shuler (11.9 ppg), KJ Buffen (11.5 ppg) and Khadim Sy (10.5 ppg).
- With 140 career steals, Devontae Shuler is tied with NBA Rebel/Toronto Raptor Terence Davis for 10th in Ole Miss history.
- Twelve of Ole Miss' 15 victories have been by double digits, including five in SEC play; the Rebels are 1-6 in games decided by five points or less, including an 0-5 mark in conference contests.
SEC LEADERS
- Breein Tyree ranks second in the SEC in scoring in conference play (22.9 ppg) and overall (20.0 ppg).
- Tyree is the SEC's active leader in career points (1,768) and field goals made (593).
- Devontae Shuler ranks second in the SEC in steals (1.8 per game) during conference play and fifth overall (1.7 per game).
- Shuler is one of two SEC guards (Ashton Hagans-Kentucky) to average at least 1.7 steals per game and boast at least a 1.8 assist/turnover ratio; both marks rank top five in the SEC.
- The Rebels are limiting opponents to a 29.0 three-point field goal percentage, including 28.6 percent in conference action; both marks rank second in the SEC.
- Ole Miss ranks third in steals (7.1) during SEC play.
SCOUTING MSU
MSU enters Saturday's rivalry contest with a 19-11 record, including a 10-7 mark in SEC play, following a road loss to South Carolina (March 3). The Bulldogs are one of the best rebounding teams in the country, ranking 17th nationally and leading the SEC with a +6.8 rebounding margin. MSU also defends the rim, averaging 5.0 blocks per game to rank 16th in the nation. Reggie Perry averages 17.2 ppg and 9.9 rpg to pace the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding. Tyson Carter adds 14.1 ppg and leads the team in assists (3.0 per game). Nick Weatherspoon (11.7 ppg) and Robert Woodard III (11.4 ppg) also average double figures. Ben Howland is in his fifth season as MSU's head coach. His 24th season as a head coach, Howland's previous stops include Northern Arizona (1995-99), Pittsburgh (2000-03) and UCLA (2004-13).
SERIES HISTORY
The Bulldogs are Ole Miss' most-played opponent, having met 261 times on the hardwood, which is also the SEC's most-played rivalry. Mississippi State holds a 144-117 lead in the series, which began in 1914, but the Rebels have won 10 of the last 13 matchups, the best streak against the Bulldogs since winning nine of 12 from 1980-85. Included in that stretch were eight straight wins from 1980-83. Ole Miss has won three of the past five meetings in Starkville.
LAST TIME WE MET
The Pavilion was electric, reigning SEC Player of the Week Breein Tyree could not be stopped, and Ole Miss turned a halftime deficit into a blowout victory over its archrival. Behind a career-high 40 points from Tyree, the Rebels rolled to an 83-58 victory over Mississippi State (Feb. 11). The 25-point win was the fifth-largest margin of victory for Ole Miss in the SEC's most-played rivalry. Ole Miss starters scored all 83 of the team's points with Tyree leading the way. Facing the rival Bulldogs for the final time in The Pavilion, the senior saved up his best game one day after being named conference player of the week. Tyree made 13 of his 22 shot attempts, which included four three-pointers. He knocked down his free throws as well, going 10 for 11 from the stripe. The Somerset, New Jersey, native outscored MSU by himself 27-24 in the second half. Khadim Sy played his best SEC game, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the first half to keep Ole Miss within striking distance. The junior added a team-high eight rebounds to match his career best. Classmate Devontae Shuler tallied 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and zero turnovers. On the defensive end of the floor, the Rebels limited MSU to 36.7 percent clip (18 of 49) that included only seven second half field goals.
INSIDE THE RIVALRY VICTORY
Ole Miss had a special rivalry win over Mississippi State (Feb. 11), beating the Bulldogs for the 10th time over the past 13 meetings. Here are some other notable nuggets from the 83-58 victory.
- The 25-point win was the Rebels' fifth-largest margin of victory in the 261-game history of the rivalry, the SEC's most-played rivalry.
- At the time, before the Rebels beat Vanderbilt by 26 last week, the 25-point win was Ole Miss' largest margin of victory in any SEC game since beating MSU by 27 (88-61, Jan. 31, 2017).
- Ole Miss trailed by 13 twice in the first half. It was the Rebels' largest deficit overcome in SEC play since rallying from down 13 to beat Mississippi State 64-58 (Jan. 6, 2018).
- Breein Tyree became the first Rebel to score 40 points in an SEC game since Stefan Moody dropped 43 against MSU (March 3, 2016).
LAST SEASON IN STARKVILLE
In a hostile environment, Ole Miss outlasted No. 14 Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum (Jan. 12, 2019). The Rebels clawed back into the game towards the end of the first half and controlled the game late against the Bulldogs en route to an 81-77 victory. Blake Hinson led the Rebels with a career-high 26 points on 8 of 16 shooting, including a career-high five made threes. The Rebels had four double-digit scorers. Breein Tyree, after going down with an injury early in the game, scored 19 points and was 8 of 9 from the free-throw line. Terence Davis and Devontae Shuler had 12 and 10, respectively. MSU was led by Quinndary Weatherspoon, who had 18 points on 6 of 12 shooting. The win marked back-to-back victories over ranked teams after Ole Miss beat No. 10 Auburn earlier in the week, vaulting the Rebels into the top 25 themselves for the first time in six years the following week.
TYREE'S TASTE FOR THE RIVALRY
Breein Tyree enjoys the big moment, and playing in rivalry games is no different. Through seven games against MSU over his career, he is averaging 20.9 ppg and shooting 52.1 percent (49 of 94). After scoring seven points in his rivalry debut, Tyree exploded for 24 points to lead the Rebels to an 87-82 overtime victory at Humphrey Coliseum (Feb. 21, 2017). The output was his best of his freshman season. As a sophomore, Tyree scored all 16 of his points in the second half to rally the Rebels to another win in the rivalry (Jan. 6, 2018). One month later in Starkville (Feb. 17, 2018), he tallied 15 points on 6 of 9 shooting. In the first matchup of last season (Jan. 12), Tyree scored the final four points of the game. His layup with one minute to go broke a 77-77 tie, and he converted two free throws with nine seconds remaining to finish with 19 points and lead the Rebels to a road victory. One month later in Oxford, he scored 25 points that included shooting 5 of 7 from beyond the arc. Tyree saved his best game when he faced the rivals one final time in The Pavilion, scoring a career-high 40 points in an 83-58 blowout victory (Feb. 11).
HINSON'S RIVALRY MOMENT
Blake Hinson had best game in his first taste of the rivalry with Mississippi State (Jan. 12, 2019). Scoring a career-high 26 points, Hinson led Ole Miss to an 81-77 win over the No. 14 Bulldogs in Starkville last year. After recording a team-high 10 points in the first half to keep the Rebels within striking distance down two, he scored 11 of the team's first 12 second half points. Ole Miss trailed by nine early in the final period, and Hinson drilled three straight three-pointers. He connected on five from long range throughout the afternoon. Hinson's 26 points were the most by an Ole Miss freshman in a game since Jarvis Summers scored 27 points at Penn State (Dec. 4, 2011). The game-high output was the most by a Rebel freshman in an SEC game since March 2, 2011 (30 by Dundrecous Nelson at Auburn).
RIVALRY CONNECTION
His alma mater is now his rival. Now in the Red and Blue, Kermit Davis is 2-1 against MSU. Davis earned a varsity letter playing basketball for the Bulldogs in 1982, completing his bachelor's degree in the same year. Two years later, he finished up school with a master's degree at MSU. Davis' father, Kermit Davis Sr., was MSU's head coach from 1971-77.
TYREE LEADS REBELS TO VICTORY ON SENIOR NIGHT
Playing his final game in The Pavilion, Breein Tyree made sure his Senior Night was a victorious one. The senior guard scored 13 of his game-high 19 points in the second half, breaking a tie and leading the Rebels to a 75-67 victory over a scrappy Missouri team Wednesday night. With the Tigers throwing everything but the kitchen sink at him for 40 minutes, Tyree had one of the most efficient games of his career. He shot 6 of 9 from the floor, while making all six of his free throw attempts. The Somerset, New Jersey, native distributed the ball as well with a team-high five assists. Sophomore Blake Hinson was the catalyst for Ole Miss in the first half. He matched Tyree in scoring by tallying all 19 of his points in the opening 20 minutes. Classmate KJ Buffen produced his second double-double of the season, recording 13 points with a team-high 10 rebounds. Khadim Sy also reached double figures with 12 points. The Rebels tied a season high with 25 made free throws, finishing 25 of 33 (75.8 percent) after making their first 18.
TYREE NAMED HOWELL TROPHY FINALIST
For the second consecutive year, Ole Miss guard Breein Tyree has been named a finalist for the C Spire Howell Trophy, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame announced (March 2). The leading scorer in SEC play is one of three finalists up for the award, given to the best men's college basketball player in the state of Mississippi. Joining Tyree as finalists are Mississippi State's Reggie Perry and Ledarius Woods of Tougaloo. The award, named after the legendary Bailey Howell, will be presented to one of the three finalists at a luncheon next week (March 9) at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson. A statewide panel of media who cover college basketball in the state of Mississippi selected the finalists and will vote among the finalists for a winner. Their votes account for 90 percent of the final vote and fan voting, conducted by C Spire, accounts for a weighted 10 percent of the final vote.
SHARING THE ROCK
The Rebels dished out 26 assists in Saturday's victory over the Commodores, the most assists by any SEC team in a single game this season. For Ole Miss, it was the most assists in a game since recording 32 against Centenary (Dec. 19, 2009). It was the program's most assists in an SEC game since Jan. 11, 1979, producing 26 versus rival Mississippi State. The school record for assists in a single game is 33 (Dec. 30, 1989 vs. Sam Houston State).
BLOWOUT VICTORIES
Ole Miss' 26-point win over Vanderbilt on Saturday was the team's largest margin of victory in conference play since an 88-61 win over Mississippi State (Jan. 31, 2017). The Rebels defeated the Bulldogs earlier this season (Feb. 11), 83-58, to give them a pair of SEC wins over 25 points-or-more. The last time Ole Miss won two conference games in a season by at least 25 points was during the 1951-52 campaign. The Rebels destroyed Georgia 103-52 (Jan. 7, 1952) before beating Georgia Tech 94-64 on the road (Jan. 14, 1952). The Yellow Jackets are now a member of the ACC.
BREEIN LOVES SEC PLAY
Ole Miss senior Breein Tyree thrives during conference play. Not only is he the leading active scorer in the SEC (1,768 points), but he paces the conference in scoring during league games (22.9 ppg). This isn't new to Tyree as his scoring output increased from non-conference action to SEC play in each of his first three seasons. He has kept the trend going as a senior, scoring 26 points against Texas A&M (Jan. 7) in the conference opener before tallying 27 versus Arkansas (Jan. 11). After missing the Florida game due to a back injury, Tyree returned better than ever and scored 36 points versus LSU (Jan. 18). With those performances, Tyree became the first Rebel to score at least 25 points in each of the first three SEC games of the season since Joe Harvell (1992). During the 1991-92 campaign, Harvell started conference play with four consecutive 30-point games. Since then, Tyree added a 38-point performance against South Carolina (Feb. 5) and a 40-point night versus Mississippi State (Feb. 11).
Tyree's Seasons Non-Conference SEC
2016-17 (Freshman) 5.1 ppg 9.3 ppg
2017-18 (Sophomore) 9.0 ppg 12.3 ppg
2018-19 (Junior) 16.5 ppg 19.1 ppg
2019-20 (Senior) 16.5 ppg 22.9 ppg
TYREE'S BIG GAMES
Breein Tyree has 15 20-point games on the season, producing three such contests in November and three in December to go along with nine in SEC play. He has 37 20-point games over his Ole Miss career. His biggest game as a Rebel was a career-high 40 points to lead Ole Miss to a blowout win over rival Mississippi State (Feb. 11), the most points by a Rebel since Deandre Burnett scored 41 points against Oral Roberts (Nov. 18, 2016). It was the most scored by an Ole Miss player in an SEC game since Stefan Moody dropped 43 to lead the Rebels over MSU on his senior night (March 3, 2016). Tyree also had 34 against Middle Tennessee (Dec. 14), 36 versus LSU (Jan. 18) and 38 against South Carolina to give him six 30-point games for his career.
BALANCED SCORING LEADS TO VICTORIES
It's no secret that a balanced offense helps in seeking victories. When Ole Miss finds that balance, it usually leads to positive outcomes. In wins, all five Rebel starters average double figures: Breein Tyree (20.2 ppg), Blake Hinson (12.8 ppg), Devontae Shuler (11.9 ppg), KJ Buffen (11.5 ppg) and Khadim Sy (10.5 ppg). In losses, Tyree (19.9 ppg) and Shuler (11.3 ppg) are the only Rebels scoring in double digits. During Saturday's win versus Vanderbilt, each starter reached double figures.
DEFENDING THE LONG BALL
Ole Miss has become one of the best teams in defending the new three-point line this season. The Rebels rank 16th nationally as opponents have shot just 29.0 percent from long distance. Ole Miss has kept opponents under 25 percent in 11 games this season.
CLOSE HEARTBREAKERS
Close games have gone against the Rebels all season long. Ole Miss is 1-6 in games decided by five points or less, including 0-5 in SEC play. Four of the Rebels' five losses at home have been by single digits with three SEC games decided by four points or less. Had some of the close games gone in favor of the Red and Blue, Ole Miss would be looking at a chance to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.
CLIMBING THE CAREER CHARTS
In his final year as a Rebel, senior guard Breein Tyree ranks seventh on the all-time scoring list with 1,768 points. That career output leads all active players in the SEC. The Somerset, New Jersey, native scored 29 points at Missouri (Feb. 18) to pass current Ole Miss Athletics Director Keith Carter (1,682). Next on Tyree's climb up the charts is Justin Reed (1,785). Through 128 games in an Ole Miss uniform, Tyree has knocked down 203 three-pointers. Hitting a pair of treys at Auburn (Feb. 25), he became just the third Rebel in history to score at least 1,700 points and make at least 200 three-pointers over a career, joining Joe Harvell and Chris Warren.
VETERANS LEAD THE WAY
The Rebels are led by a veteran cast. Senior guard Breein Tyree (20.0 ppg), junior Devontae Shuler (11.4 ppg), sophomore Blake Hinson (10.6 ppg) and sophomore forward KJ Buffen (10.2 ppg) have accounted for 71.6 percent of the team's scoring this season. Tyree ranks second in the league in scoring, while Buffen paces the team in rebounding (6.1 per game) and blocks (0.9 per game). Shuler also leads the Rebels in assists (3.4 per game) and steals (1.7 per game), while ranking fourth in the conference in assist/turnover ratio (1.8). After missing four games due to injury, Hinson has put together 14 double-digit scoring performances, starting 25 games following the injury to Luis Rodriguez.
SHULER STATS
Junior guard Devontae Shuler leads the Rebels in assists (3.4) and steals (1.7). The Irmo, South Carolina, native is one of two players in the SEC to record at least 1.7 steals per game and a 1.8 assist/turnover ratio, joining Kentucky's Ashton Hagans in the conference's top five of each category. He has recorded at least two steals in 12 of the last 18 games. With a pair of steals against Missouri (March 4), Shuler increased his career total to 140 to tie former teammate Terence Davis for 10th on the Ole Miss career steals list. Against No. 16 Auburn (Jan. 28), he took over after Breein Tyree fouled out and finished with 26 points in 48 minutes of the double overtime battle. Shuler followed that performance with a career-high 28 points at No. 22 LSU (Feb. 1). He has six 20-point games over his career, including five this season.
NEEDING BUFFEN
KJ Buffen was a primary bench player during his freshman campaign, but the 6-foot-7 forward is an important piece of the Ole Miss lineup as a sophomore. Starting all 30 games, one of only two Rebels to start each game, Buffen is averaging 10.2 ppg along with a team-best 6.1 rpg. His rebounding average is 17th in the conference. The Gainesville, Georgia, native is also leading the team in blocks (0.9). Buffen tallied a career-high 23 points in a win over Norfolk State (Nov. 12) before producing his second career 20-point game to close out the calendar year against Tennessee Tech (Dec. 29). In Wednesday's victory over Missouri, Buffen produced his second career double-double with 13 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. His play factors into the outcome of games. Buffen averages 11.9 ppg and 7.3 rpg in wins, while tallying 8.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg in losses.
FRANCO MILLER NAMED TO SEC COMMUNITY SERVICE TEAM
Ole Miss redshirt-freshman guard Franco Miller Jr. was named to the 2020 SEC Men's Basketball Community Service Team, the league office announced March 5. Actively involved in the Oxford community, Miller was the only freshman to receive the recognition. Since arriving on campus, Miller has participated in Adopt-a-Basket, which gives food items to families in need during the Thanksgiving season. As part of Reading with the Rebels, he has visited several local schools to promote the importance of reading while sharing some of his favorite books. His biggest activity was coordinating a campus-wide Hurricane Dorian Relief Drive to help those affected by the devastating hurricane that hit his native country of The Bahamas.
HOME COOKIN'
When the Rebels were victorious at home, they won in dominating fashion. Eleven of Ole Miss' 12 wins in The Pavilion were by double digits, outscoring the opposition by an average of 18.5 ppg (77.5-59.0). The Rebels shot 49.9 percent in home victories. Meanwhile, Ole Miss held the opposition to 36.8 percent, including just 24.3 percent from three-point range. The Rebels finished with a 12-5 record at home this season.
DAVIS EARNS 500TH CAREER WIN
Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis picked up his 500th win as the Rebels defeated South Carolina at home (Feb. 5). In his 25th season as a college basketball head coach, Davis has collected 504 wins over 795 games (.634 winning percentage). His head coaching career started as a 24-year old at Southwest Mississippi Community College in 1984, the youngest junior college coach in the country, and he earned 66 victories over three season in the junior college ranks. Four years later at the age of 28, Davis became Idaho's head coach and was the youngest Division I head coach in the nation. Through 22 seasons as a Division I head coach, which includes becoming the winningest coach in Middle Tennessee and Sun Belt Conference history, Davis has 438 wins. He ranks 38th in victories among active Division I head coaches.
TD IN THE NBA
The Rebels are without 2018-19 Second Team All-SEC guard Terence Davis, who ranks 13th on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,512 points. After going undrafted, Davis turned heads in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and quickly earned a multi-year deal with the reigning champion Toronto Raptors. Davis has become a regular in the Raptors' rotation to start the NBA season. The Southaven, Mississippi, native matched LeBron James with 13 points in the Raptors' win over the Lakers (Nov. 10). Last month (Jan. 8), Davis was called upon to make his first career start, and boy did he deliver. The NBA Rebel scored 23 points and pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds, both team highs, to record his first double-double and lead the Raptors to a victory over the Hornets. Kicking off February, Davis tallied a career-high 31 points off the bench to help the Raptors beat the Bulls (Feb. 2). Averaging 8.0 ppg, he is only Raptor to play in all 61 of the team's games. Davis is the first Rebel to play in the NBA since Justin Reed (2005-07).
YEAR TWO OF THE DAVIS ERA
Kermit Davis is in his second season at the helm of Ole Miss Basketball. A nine-time conference coach of the year, Davis is 38th among active Division I head coaches with 438 career wins over 22 seasons, including stints at MT, Idaho and Texas A&M. In 25 seasons as a college basketball head coach, he has amassed 504 wins. Davis wasted no time making an impact in Oxford. With the Rebels coming off a last-place finish in 2017-18, the media picked Ole Miss to land at the bottom of the SEC standings again in 2018-19. However, the Rebels posted a 20-13 record to earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. With a return to March Madness for the sixth time in his career, Davis joined a list of 63 coaches in college basketball history to take three different schools to the NCAA Tournament. Davis was named SEC Coach of the Year by his peers and the Associated Press, earning conference coach of the year accolades for the ninth time in his career. He became the sixth Ole Miss coach to earn SEC Coach of the Year honors, while joining Andy Kennedy as the only Rebel coaches to collect the award in their first year in Oxford.
NEXT ON THE HARDWOOD
Up next, the Rebels head to Nashville for the SEC Tournament (March 11-15). Ole Miss play in the first round against either Georgia or Vanderbilt on Wednesday, March 11. Depending on how results play out Saturday will determine the seeding and tipoff time, but either way, the game will air on SEC Network.
