The #5 Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team is set to host the #21 Ole Miss Rebels on Monday, January 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. CT in Coleman Coliseum. This Southeastern Conference matchup features two teams with strong starts to their seasons, both aiming to bolster their conference records.
Alabama, under head coach Nate Oats in his sixth season, holds a 14-2 overall record with a 3-0 mark in SEC play. The Crimson Tide’s offense has been prolific, averaging 91.1 points per game, which ranks among the nation’s best. Graduate guard Mark Sears has been instrumental, leading the team with consistent scoring and playmaking abilities. Sears, a Second Team Associated Press All-American in 2024, set the program record for most points scored in a single season with 797 points.
Complementing Sears is freshman guard Labaron Philon, a dynamic scorer who was named Mr. Basketball in Alabama during his high school career. Philon has transitioned smoothly into the collegiate level, providing a significant offensive boost for the Crimson Tide.
In the frontcourt, graduate forward Grant Nelson offers versatility with his ability to score both inside and from the perimeter. Nelson’s presence has been pivotal in stretching defenses and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Ole Miss, led by head coach Chris Beard, enters the contest with a 13-2 overall record and a 2-0 standing in SEC play. The Rebels average 79.1 points per game, showcasing a balanced offensive attack. Senior guard Matthew Murrell is a key contributor, having surpassed 1,400 career points and ranking among the program’s top three-point shooters.
Supporting Murrell is senior guard Dre Davis, who brings experience and scoring ability to the Rebels’ backcourt. Davis’s versatility allows him to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
In the paint, senior forward Ja’Von Benson provides physicality and rebounding prowess, essential for Ole Miss’s interior defense and second-chance opportunities.
Both teams have demonstrated defensive capabilities, with Alabama allowing 77.4 points per game and Ole Miss conceding 64.6 points per contest. The defensive battle, particularly in controlling the perimeter, could be a determining factor in the game’s outcome.
Following this matchup, Alabama is scheduled to face #8 Kentucky on Saturday morning at 11am CST, January 18, 2025, in Lexington. Ole Miss will prepare to host #15 Mississippi State on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Oxford.