OXFORD, Miss. — Davon Barnes sealed a thrilling victory for No. 23 Mississippi by sinking two free throws with just eight seconds left, allowing the Rebels to fend off Texas 72-69 on Wednesday night.
This much-needed win ended a three-game losing streak for Ole Miss (16-5, 5-3 Southeastern Conference), bolstered by Sean Pedulla, who contributed significantly with 19 points and five assists. Jaemyn Brakefield played a pivotal role as well, netting nine of his 18 points in the crucial last six minutes of play, while Dre Davis chipped in with 17 points.
Texas (14-7, 3-5) was led by Tre Johnson, who scored 22 points, but he fell short in the final moments, missing two critical attempts that could have either tied the game or given the Longhorns a lead. Arthur Kaluma added 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds to assist his team’s effort.
After Johnson’s first missed shot with 10 seconds remaining, Barnes calmly converted both of his free throws, establishing the final score. An uncontested 3-point attempt from Johnson in the corner was off target, leaving Davis to secure the rebound as the buzzer sounded.
**Key Takeaways**
For Texas, they now face a crucial stretch, with three of their next five games played at home. A strong performance in February will be essential for their prospects of making it to the NCAA Tournament.
As for Ole Miss, this victory provides a much-needed boost as they commence a challenging three-game homestand, which includes matchups against top-ranked Auburn and No. 12 Kentucky. The Rebels faced heartbreak recently, losing two games in overtime or by a last-second buzzer-beater in the previous two weeks.
**Key Moment**
The turning point of the game occurred when Pedulla scored a jumper in the paint with 1:02 remaining, giving Ole Miss a 70-68 advantage. From that point onward, the Rebels maintained their lead, executing the important free throws and defensive plays required in the game’s closing seconds.
**Key Stat**
Throughout the contest, the lead changed hands 14 times, and the teams were tied 11 times. Notably, in the second half, neither team managed to extend their lead beyond five points, showcasing the game’s competitive nature.
**Up Next**
Both teams are scheduled to return to the court Saturday, with Texas taking on LSU and Ole Miss preparing to host the top-ranked Tigers of Auburn.
