OXFORD, Miss. — Dre Davis contributed 13 points while Sean Pedulla added 12 points along with four assists as No. 24-ranked Mississippi overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half to secure a narrow 66-64 victory against Grambling State on Friday night.
Ole Miss (2-0) sparked a remarkable comeback with a 20-0 run in the second half, taking control of the game to lead 47-39. However, Grambling State (1-1) fought back, with Mikale Stevenson scoring two free throws to narrow the gap to 64-63 with just four seconds remaining.
In a crucial moment, Jaylen Murray was fouled and converted two free throws, extending the Rebels’ lead to three points. Ole Miss then fouled strategically to prevent Grambling State from launching a three-pointer at the game’s end.
Murray finished the game with 10 points for the Rebels. For Grambling State, Stevenson was the standout scorer with 16 points, supported by Kintavious Dozier with 15 points and Ernest Ross adding 14. Grambling State had a strong start, leading the game 33-25 by halftime.
Analyzing the teams, Grambling State has proven to be a formidable opponent, compiling 45 wins over the last two seasons, claiming a Southwest Athletic Conference title, and even clinching an NCAA Tournament victory. Despite a challenging non-conference schedule, Coach Donte’ Jackson’s team appears to be a strong contender in the SWAC this season.
On the Ole Miss side, Coach Chris Beard opted for a variety of offensive and defensive lineups, giving significant playing time to 10 players. The Rebels showcased depth and perimeter shooting but can work on bolstering their rebounding efforts.
A pivotal moment in the game came when the Rebels, trailing 39-27, surged back with a dominant 20-0 run in just six minutes to seize a 47-39 advantage with 11 minutes left on the clock. Davis was instrumental during this phase, scoring eight consecutive points to ignite the team’s resurgence.
In terms of statistics, Ole Miss excelled at the free-throw line, converting 14 of 18 attempts in the second half, while also forcing 22 turnovers by their opponent. However, Grambling State had the upper hand on the boards, out-rebounding the Rebels 39-33.
Looking ahead, Grambling State will continue its SEC road trip with a game against No. 21 Florida on Monday, while Ole Miss prepares to host South Alabama on Tuesday.