Nye Hits 7 3s and Scores Career-Best 32 Points as No. 18 Alabama Tops Ole Miss 84-78
Tuscaloosa, AL – In a thrilling SEC showdown, No. 18 Alabama secured a hard-fought 84-78 victory over Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a historic performance from junior guard Nye. With seven 3-pointers and a career-high 32 points, Nye led the Crimson Tide to their fourth consecutive conference win and kept their hopes for a high seeding in the NCAA tournament alive.
The victory was a testament to Alabama’s offensive firepower, as they shot an impressive 45.7% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. However, it was Nye’s standout performance that stole the spotlight, overshadowing any concerns about Alabama’s defense or late-game struggles. As the Tide moved to 14-2 on the season and 4-1 in the SEC, Nye’s performance on the court solidified his growing reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic players.
A Career-Best Performance
Nye’s scorching shooting from deep was a key factor in Alabama’s win. The junior guard connected on seven of his 12 three-point attempts, lighting up the Ole Miss defense with a range that stretched all the way from the perimeter. His 32-point outing was not just a personal milestone but a game-changer for Alabama, which struggled to find consistency offensively at times.
“It feels great,” Nye said after the game, his smile reflecting the pride in his voice. “I’ve been putting in a lot of work with the coaches and my teammates. To see it pay off like that feels amazing. I just wanted to be aggressive and stay confident in my shot. We needed this win, and I’m glad I could contribute in a big way.”
Alabama head coach Nate Oats, known for his up-tempo style and reliance on three-point shooting, praised Nye’s performance and highlighted his improvement over the course of the season.
“Nye has been great for us all year, but today was a different level. His shot-making ability was incredible,” Oats said. “He’s been working hard, and it’s showing on the court. We’re fortunate to have him. When he’s hitting shots like that, it makes everything easier for the rest of the team.”
Nye’s offensive prowess was on full display, but it was also his all-around game that impressed. In addition to his 32 points, Nye chipped in five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, demonstrating his versatility as a player. His ability to contribute in various areas of the game was essential to Alabama’s success, especially in a game that remained close throughout.
Key Contributions from Teammates
While Nye was undoubtedly the star of the show, he was not alone in ensuring Alabama came away with the victory. Freshman guard Aaron Brooks had a strong performance, contributing 12 points and six rebounds. Brooks was a stabilizing force for the Tide in moments when Ole Miss seemed to gain momentum.
Veteran forward Jaden Ivey, who had struggled to find his rhythm offensively early in the season, stepped up with 14 points, including a pair of crucial three-pointers in the second half. His contributions, particularly in critical moments of the game, helped Alabama maintain their lead and fend off Ole Miss’ late push.
“Ole Miss is a tough team,” Ivey said after the game. “They were never going to back down, and we knew we had to keep our foot on the gas. It was great to see Nye play at such a high level, but we all stepped up when we needed to. This was a total team win.”
In the paint, Alabama relied on their big men to control the boards and limit Ole Miss’ second-chance opportunities. Freshman center Charles Bediako added nine points and seven rebounds, while senior forward Noah Gurley was instrumental in defending Ole Miss’ key post players.
Ole Miss’ Resilience
Despite the loss, Ole Miss put up a valiant effort, especially in the second half. Led by senior guard Matthew Murrell, who scored a team-high 25 points, the Rebels fought to the very end. Murrell was a consistent threat from beyond the arc, finishing 5-of-10 from three-point range, and also contributed six rebounds and four assists.
“I’m proud of the way our guys fought today,” Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis said. “Alabama is a very talented team, and we knew it was going to be a battle. We kept pushing back, but they hit some big shots, and Nye was fantastic. We just couldn’t get over the hump.”
The Rebels also had strong performances from forwards Tye Fagan and Jaemyn Brakefield, who combined for 20 points and 12 rebounds. However, Ole Miss struggled with turnovers, committing 14, which allowed Alabama to get out in transition and take advantage of fast-break opportunities.
“We’ve got to take better care of the ball,” Davis added. “Against a team like Alabama, you can’t afford to make mistakes and expect to win.”
A Back-and-Forth Game
From the opening tip, both teams seemed determined to push the pace, leading to a back-and-forth affair. Alabama jumped out to an early lead thanks to Nye’s hot shooting, but Ole Miss answered with a series of tough shots and aggressive play in the paint. By halftime, the Crimson Tide held a slim 42-39 lead.
In the second half, Ole Miss found itself repeatedly within striking distance but was unable to overtake Alabama. The Rebels got as close as two points midway through the second half, but Nye’s shooting, along with timely contributions from Ivey and Brooks, allowed Alabama to maintain its lead.
With just over three minutes remaining and Alabama clinging to a five-point advantage, Nye delivered the dagger: a three-pointer from the top of the key that pushed the lead to eight points. Ole Miss, unable to mount a successful comeback, was forced to foul in the final minutes, and Alabama sealed the victory from the free-throw line.
Looking Ahead
Alabama’s win over Ole Miss was a significant one, but the road ahead remains challenging. The Crimson Tide will look to continue building momentum as they head into a tough stretch of SEC games, including matchups against top-ranked teams like Kentucky and Arkansas.
With Nye’s performance elevating his game to another level, Alabama’s championship aspirations are beginning to take shape. Oats and his staff will need to continue to refine their defensive game, but with Nye in top form, they will be a formidable force as the season progresses.
For Ole Miss, the loss stung, but the team’s resilience was evident throughout. Davis and his players will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back in their next SEC contest. With a strong group of talented players, the Rebels remain a dangerous team in the conference and will be a force to reckon with as the season unfolds.
Final Score:
No. 18 Alabama 84, Ole Miss 78
Top Performers:
Alabama: Nye – 32 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Ole Miss: Matthew Murrell – 25 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
