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LOOK: An ‘historic’ trip to Temple ‘paid dividends’ for Ole Miss in blowout of NC State

Ben Garrettby:Ben Garrett11/29/23

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Ole Miss guard Robert Cowherd (13) and center Moussa Cisse (far right)

Chris Beard has learned a lot about his first Ole Miss team in less than a week’s time.

The Rebels made their first road trip, to Temple, on Saturday. Beard said he had a “good cheesecake” and visited the Rocky statue while in Philadelphia, but, more importantly, Ole Miss came away with a one-point win.

The Rebels have won three of their first six games by three points or less.

“Temple, obviously first road game of the season,” Beard said. “Didn’t play our best basketball, but we did have some poise (and) some individual moments in that game. We learned a lot about our team. Anytime you can take your team away, play on the road, you learn a lot about yourself. A lot of valuable tape in that game. 

“We had probably four chances in that game to blow it open and get control over the game and we didn’t do that. So, we had a learning curve there. I think that probably paid some dividends tonight.”

‘Tonight’ being Tuesday and the Rebels’ 72-52 win over NC State in the SEC/ACC Challenge.

Ole Miss, which received votes in the most recent batch of Top 25 polls, stayed perfect (6-0) on the season in a game the Rebels never trailed. Next up is Memphis on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

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“We have the game under control and we increase the lead a little bit tonight,” Beard continued. “Had some spurts, so that’s a sign of maturity. 

“But the first road game, it’s always good to win on the road in college basketball. We learned a lot about our team that night. It was kind of an historic basketball trip, too.”

Here’s another look at Ole Miss’ win over NC State, with photos provided by Ole Miss Athletics.

Students found these shirts waiting for them in their seats at the Pavilion on Tuesday
Second-year Ole Miss guard TJ Caldwell
Auburn transfer guard/wing Allen Flanigan had his second double-double of the season against NC State
Saint Peter’s transfer point guard Jaylen Murray has started every game for the Rebels
Western Kentucky transfer center Jamarion Sharp, the tallest man in college basketball
All-time Ole Miss basketball great Terence Davis was in attendance
Saint Peter’s transfer point guard Jaylen Murray finished with 12 points
Matthew Murrell, one of just four returning Rebels, had 12 points
Matthew Murrell (11), Jaylen Murray (5) and TJ Caldwell (2) help Allen Flanigan to his feet
Western Kentucky transfer center Jamarion Sharp had three blocks in the win
The Ole Miss bench, including Robert Cowherd (13) and recently-cleared Moussa Cisse (far right), celebrates
Jaemyn Brakefield had a career-high 25 points against NC State
Ole Miss students celebrate the win

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