Elite 5th Seed Lights Up Final With Chasing Victory Against Crimson Tide!

Mar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Ilias Kamardine (6) reacts after a made three point basket against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Pack up the wife and kids and head to Nashville, because this Cinderella story of the Ole Miss Rebels basketball team could be one to remember for years to come. The 15-seed Rebels are now two wins away from a SEC title and spot in the NCAA Tournament defying all odds by defeating 2-seed Alabama on Friday, 80-79.

Ole Miss has now won three games in three days after losing 12 of its final 13 games in the regular season. AJ Storr scored 17 points while Ilias Kamardine added 16 of his own to fuel the upset. Labaron Philon posted 28 points for the Crimson Tide going 5/7 from three point range.

Now the Arkansas Razorbacks await Chris Beard and his squad with a spot in the SEC Championship on the line. There’s going to be a lot made of fatigue for Ole Miss, but for a team that was given zero chance by anyone to even win one game much less three, I have a feeling the players will be riding a wave of momentum in the first half. And the first half has been crucial for Ole Miss this tournament.

By getting out to fast starts and holding leads, all the pressure has shifted to the favorites. The big question will be which team gets a lead first and can build on it on Saturday. I think that could be when fatigue sets in if the Razorbacks go up double digits early in the game.