Everything Chris Beard said after Ole Miss’ 15th all-time win over Kentucky

Ole Miss on Tuesday secured just its 15th all-time win over Kentucky and first in four years. 

The Rebels scored their second-most points (98) of the season and most ever against the Wildcats, who entered play ranked No. 14 nationally. Ole Miss was No. 25. 

The Rebels had 24 assists to just one turnover, the fewest in the SEC in 25 years. Jaylen ‘Juju’ Murray finished with 15 points and 10 assists. Matthew Murrell scored 20 or more points (24) for the first time this season. He was Ole Miss’ leading scorer each of the previous three years.

Ole Miss nexts travels to LSU Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network. Here’s everything second-year head coach Chris Beard had to say after the win.

ON THE DOMINANT FIRST HALF

Beard: It helps to make shots. Just a couple days ago we were sitting here talking about that (after the loss to top-ranked Auburn). Basket got big for us. We just played the right way. We were sharing the ball; most of our baskets were assisted. From a coach that’s something you’re really always looking at.

Our (first-half) defense was our best 20 minutes of defense (this season). Second half … I’m working on this deal where we smell the roses along the way and try to stay positive. But first-half defense was really, really good. Second half just a lot we can get better at. 

ON THE 15-3 RUN TO CLOSE THE FIRST HALF

Beard: That was one of the things I was most impressed with. At halftime I thought let’s go win the game 108-62. I guess human nature doesn’t work that way. But I’ve always been a little bit different.

The thing I was really proud of in the first half is we separate a little bit, and then the lull that you’re hoping doesn’t come, which we experienced in the second half. Not taking anything away from Kentucky, but that was not our best defensive effort in the second half. The first half we didn’t have that let-up. 

It was good. I didn’t want to go to halftime; I wanted to keep playing. Told the players after the game I don’t know if I’ve ever enjoyed watching a team play more than I did tonight watching us play in the first half especially.

ON KENTUCKY NOT HAVING LAMONT BUTLER

Beard: I don’t know their team, so I’m not an expert, but obviously he’s one of the best point guards in the country. For him not to play, one team has to adjust, just like we had to adjust with Matt Murrell out some games, Mikeal Brown-Jones having some real adversity, Dre Davis. 

He’s one of the best point guards in college basketball. He brings another dynamic to their team, there’s no denying that. We wish him the best in terms of getting back quickly. He’s one of the best players in the SEC.

ON MATTHEW MURRELL BATTLING INJURY

Beard: A lot of respect for him and admiration for what he does on a daily basis (and) with his 24 hours each day. I recognize John Raybon, our trainer, and our team doctors. But give Matt the credit. There’s a lot of mornings and late nights. He’s really staying engaged, too, with limited practice time. He understands the scouting reports. Just a lot of respect for him. I’ve seen it before, but Matt is doing what you have to do at this level when you’re banged up to give yourself a chance to try to help your team each night. 

ON ALMOST GOING A FULL GAME WITHOUT A TURNOVER

Beard: (Sean) Pedulla ruined that memory, right? I was actually kind of thinking about that as the first half went on because I’ve always envisioned that night being pretty special. We’ve done it one other time. I believe it was at Angelo State and the turnover was Thomas Brandsma. I blame everything on Thomas Brandsma. He’s my favorite player of all-time — him and Avery Benson (at Texas Tech). Thomas will probably tweet tonight that it wasn’t him, but I blame everything on Thomas.

Tonight Pedulla just one loose-ball-handling play away from doing something I’ve always chased my career. It’s not about me, but I just always thought it’d be cool to coach a team that had zero turnovers in a game. 

ON THE RESILIENCY OF THESE REBELS

Beard: I just didn’t enjoy our defense in the second half, but I thought our offense kept us alive. We talked the other day about Auburn making some timely plays in big moments. They seemed to have an answer every time. Tonight offensively we had an answer. We executed against their zone, and I think our guys did a pretty good job for the most part staying aggressive. 

You feel the weight on your shoulders. We all understand defensively things aren’t going our way (in the second half). But I thought our offense did a good job. I think we scored 44 points in the second half and we could have gotten to over 50 but for the late-game watching the shot clock and making some free throws.

ON MURRAY’S GROWTH AS A DISTRIBUTOR

Beard: Tonight was special — 10 assists and zero turnovers. Juju is a good guy, man. He’s got a big heart and always bounces back. To hear him answer the question (about his 15 and 10 game) and give the praise to Matt and stuff that’s exactly what you want in a winner. Juju played the game the right way, too. Did a good job keeping the dribble tonight (and) staying out of trouble areas underneath the basket. Just played well. 

Point guard mentality is our terminology and what we say. It’s just understanding the game. Sean and Juju are scorers at heart. They can score the basketball. This point in the season just very appreciative of them trying to play the game in a way we needed tonight to win. We’re going to need both of those guys to have 25, 30-point nights. Juju’s got it in him. But tonight he just had a lot of confidence. Looked secure in himself that I’m the point guard of this team (and) I’ve got some hot teammates around me. Let me do my job. I was really impressed with Juju tonight.