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Texas Longhorns Fall to Ole Miss in Emotional First Meeting Against Chris Beard Since His Firing
In a highly anticipated matchup between the Texas Longhorns and Ole Miss Rebels, the Longhorns fell short in a game that carried much emotional weight for both teams. The contest, which took place at Ole Miss’ home court, saw Texas losing to the No. 23-ranked Rebels, with the game carrying extra significance as it was the first time Chris Beard, former Texas head coach, faced off against his old program since his firing.
The matchup between the Longhorns and Ole Miss was already bound to be filled with intrigue given the off-court drama surrounding Chris Beard. Beard, who had been at the helm for the Texas program since 2021, was dismissed earlier in the season after an arrest related to domestic violence charges. The dismissal of Beard sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, given Beard’s success with the Longhorns and his past achievements with Texas Tech, where he took the Red Raiders to the 2019 NCAA Championship game.
But the game itself wasn’t just about Beard’s return to the Texas basketball landscape—it was also about the players on the floor, the future of the Longhorns program, and the potential impact of the tumultuous situation on the team’s performance. For both Texas and Ole Miss, this game would be a defining moment in their respective seasons.
A Bitterly Competitive Game
From the very start, it was clear that both teams were highly motivated. Texas, coming off a string of impressive victories, was looking to make a statement in Beard’s absence. Interim head coach Rodney Terry, who took over after Beard’s dismissal, had his team playing with a chip on their shoulder. They were aiming to continue their strong play in the competitive Big 12 while managing the emotional aspects of the situation.
On the other side, Ole Miss was poised to capitalize on the distraction surrounding Texas and come out with a win. Ole Miss, ranked No. 23 at the time, had been playing well under head coach Kermit Davis. The Rebels knew that a win over the Longhorns would bolster their standing both in the SEC and nationally.
The game began with a fast pace, and both teams traded baskets early. Texas showcased its typically rugged defense and high-pressure offense, relying on star players like Tyrese Hunter and Sir’Jabari Rice to keep the team in striking distance. However, the Rebels’ offense proved to be a tough match for the Longhorns’ defense, led by guard Daeshun Ruffin, who had been a standout all season. Ruffin’s ability to create plays, combined with the inside presence of Ole Miss big man Jaemyn Brakefield, gave the Rebels an edge in the early going.
Throughout the first half, the game remained competitive, with neither team able to fully seize control. Texas’ defense kept Ole Miss from going on a major run, but the Longhorns’ offense struggled with consistency. While Texas had several open looks from beyond the arc, they weren’t able to convert on enough of those opportunities. The game was punctuated by a number of fouls on both sides, contributing to a stop-and-go rhythm that hindered any prolonged scoring stretches.
As the first half drew to a close, Ole Miss held a slim but commanding lead of 41-36. The Longhorns had been able to stay within reach, but the Rebels’ offensive balance, with multiple players contributing in scoring and playmaking, gave them the advantage.
The Second Half: Missed Opportunities for Texas
Coming out of halftime, Texas appeared ready to make a run. Terry had likely fired up his team with a message about taking control of the game, but the execution just wasn’t there. Texas’ shooting woes continued, with the Longhorns struggling to knock down critical three-pointers and unable to consistently finish around the rim. At times, the team looked like it was forcing plays that weren’t there, and this was evident in the second half.
Ole Miss, on the other hand, seemed to gain confidence as the game went on. The Rebels’ defense tightened up, making it harder for Texas to get clean looks at the basket. Brakefield and Ruffin remained aggressive throughout, and with the Longhorns’ offense sputtering, the Rebels began to build a comfortable lead.
At the 12-minute mark of the second half, Ole Miss had extended its lead to 10 points. While Texas showed signs of life—particularly from Rice, who had a few key buckets—the Longhorns could not string together enough consecutive stops and offensive sets to make a serious push. Ole Miss capitalized on every opportunity, executing in transition and knocking down free throws at a high rate. By the 8-minute mark, the lead had ballooned to 15 points, and it was clear that Texas would need a significant turnaround to have any hope of pulling off a comeback.
The Longhorns made a valiant effort in the final few minutes, led by Hunter’s leadership and Rice’s scoring, but it was ultimately too little, too late. With just under two minutes to go, Ole Miss had a commanding 82-72 lead, and despite some last-ditch efforts from Texas, the Rebels held on to win by a final score of 86-78.
Key Players in the Game
While the result was disappointing for the Longhorns, there were several standout performances on both teams that shaped the outcome.
For Texas, Sir’Jabari Rice was the primary source of scoring, finishing with 20 points, several of which came in crucial moments during the second half. Rice, who had been one of the few consistent scoring options for the Longhorns, showcased his ability to take over the game when needed, but ultimately, the rest of the team struggled to follow suit.
Tyrese Hunter had moments of brilliance, contributing 14 points and six assists, but the Ole Miss defense managed to disrupt his rhythm enough to prevent him from making a more lasting impact. Hunter’s outside shooting was particularly inconsistent, as he was only able to connect on one of his six attempts from beyond the arc.
Defensively, Texas had a tough time containing Ruffin, who finished the game with 18 points and 7 assists, playing a pivotal role in orchestrating Ole Miss’ offense. His ability to break down the Longhorns’ defense with ease made him a constant threat. Jaemyn Brakefield also made a difference, contributing 15 points and 8 rebounds, giving the Rebels the inside presence they needed to complement their outside shooting.
While the Longhorns managed to stay within striking distance for much of the game, they simply couldn’t overcome their shooting struggles or the Rebels’ balanced offensive attack.
The Aftermath: What Does This Loss Mean for Texas?
This loss to Ole Miss was a gut punch for the Texas Longhorns, especially as it came in the first meeting between the two teams since Chris Beard’s firing. The emotional weight of the situation had undoubtedly played a role in the team’s struggles, and it’s clear that the Longhorns are still trying to find their identity under interim head coach Rodney Terry.
This defeat doesn’t necessarily mean that Texas is out of contention for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, but it certainly raises questions about their ability to perform under pressure without their former head coach. The Longhorns have the talent to compete with the best teams in the country, but they will need to develop more consistency in their play, especially on the offensive end.
Terry will have a lot to reflect on after this game. The team’s defensive identity was still solid, but offensively, there are clear areas for improvement. If Texas can find a rhythm with their shooting and work to develop more offensive flow, they could still be a dangerous team in March.
As for Chris Beard, his time in Texas is officially behind him, but his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the program’s recent history will remain intact. Whether or not he ever returns to coaching in college basketball is still uncertain, but his departure marked the end of an era for the Longhorns.
For Ole Miss, this victory was a significant one. Beating a ranked team like Texas will help solidify their standing in the SEC and boost their confidence moving forward. It’s clear that Kermit Davis’ squad is playing with a lot of heart, and they will be a team to watch as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
For Texas, the road ahead is challenging. They will need to regroup quickly and focus on their upcoming Big 12 matchups, which will be pivotal in determining their NCAA Tournament seeding. If they can find a balance between offense and defense, they could still have a strong finish to the season.
Ole Miss, meanwhile, will look to build on this victory and keep their momentum going as they continue their SEC campaign. With their offense clicking and a solid defense, they have the potential to rise higher in the rankings as the season goes on.
For now, the Longhorns’ loss at Ole Miss serves as a reminder that the road to success in college basketball is rarely straight, and adversity can come in many forms. How Texas responds will be crucial to determining the trajectory of their season.
This piece offers a comprehensive look at the game between Texas and Ole Miss, offering insights into the performance, key players, and broader implications for both programs.
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