The recent game of Ole Miss basketball against Cal showcased the debut of Georgetown transfer Brandon Murray, marking a new era for the team. Despite this addition, experienced players Jaemyn Brakefield and Matthew Murrell took center stage, leading the Rebels to a resounding 88-78 victory at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Brakefield and Murrell, with a combined seven seasons of experience at Ole Miss, played pivotal roles in securing the win, contributing a total of 46 points to the team’s score. Brakefield’s outstanding performance, in particular, saw him emerge as the game’s top scorer with 27 points, highlighting his skill with five successful 3-pointers.
The Rebels’ exceptional performance from beyond the arc was a standout feature, converting 12 of 21 attempts and demonstrating a 3-point shooting percentage of over 50% for the fourth time this season under the guidance of coach Chris Beard. This notable improvement reflects the team’s progress under their new coach.
Taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout, Ole Miss basketball established a commanding advantage that Cal could not surmount, securing their 10th consecutive victory.
The team also received positive news from the NCAA regarding Brandon Murray’s eligibility, allowing him to make a successful debut with the Rebels and contribute to their triumph over Cal. With previous stints at Georgetown and LSU, Murray’s impactful first game saw him score three points and provide four assists, making a strong impression with his new team.
With an undefeated record, Ole Miss is now positioned for potential inclusion in the AP Poll, having already secured a ranking in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll. A strong showing in their upcoming games could see the Rebels reenter the AP Poll for the first time since 2019, signifying a significant accomplishment for the team.
Looking ahead, Ole Miss will take on Troy in their next game, aiming to extend their winning streak and maintain their impressive run in the SEC. With their recent success and the addition of Brandon Murray, the Rebels are poised for further achievements in the competitive realm of college basketball.
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