Milwaukee — Ole Miss Basketball's Unexpected Hero in NCAA Tournament Victory
The Ole Miss Rebels' victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels on March 21, 2025, marked a thrilling chapter in NCAA tournament history, showcasing not just a solid team effort but the surprising impact of a 5-foot-4 walk-on.
In a pulsating game where tensions ran high, the No. 6 seed Ole Miss defeated the No. 11 seed North Carolina 71-64, securing their first NCAA tournament win since 2015. The Rebels, who had built a commanding 22-point lead, found themselves in hot water as North Carolina clawed back to close the gap to just two points with only 1:09 left on the clock.
Amid the chaos of the final moments, the poise and leadership of Cam Brent, a diminutive yet mighty walk-on, stole the show. Brent, weighing in at just 125 pounds and officially the shortest men’s player in NCAA, became a crucial voice for his team. His role went beyond his minimal stats—11 minutes and 2 points for the season—serving a vital purpose in the heated environment present on game day.
“That little dude right there,” said teammate Davon Barnes, gesturing to Brent. “Cam Brent. He's an energy guy for us; he really helps us out when times are going hard.” Brent's spirited encouragement was noted by many on the court, demonstrating that a strong voice can sometimes be as impactful as physical stature in sports.
His efforts during tense timeouts were critical in maintaining team morale. “I was just yelling,” Brent recounted with enthusiasm. “Everybody stay calm. Stay poised. I can remember telling (Davon Barnes) that it’s a game of runs. I was saying eventually it will die down, and eventually it did.”
Coach Chris Beard praised the team’s composure, highlighting the veteran leadership present, with four seniors and one junior starting in the game. “I was really impressed with the poise of our guys in the last couple of minutes of the game,” Beard commented. “As a coach, you never want to be out of timeouts. We had to use some of the timeouts to solve some issues in the second half.”
The contrasting styles and efforts of both teams were apparent as Ole Miss thrived on strong teamwork from their more seasoned players. Forward Malik Dia, who contributed with 8 points and 5 rebounds, added, “(Brent) brings us all together, just saying what he’s seeing out there. He's like another coach, really. Big emotional support for us. He always keeps us calm.”
Despite the scare, the Rebels emerged victorious and are now set to face the No. 3 seed Iowa State Cyclones on March 23, 2025. The stakes couldn't be higher, as a win would tie the deepest NCAA tournament run in Ole Miss basketball history, matching the legendary 2001 team's Sweet 16 appearance.
Reflecting on his first NCAA tournament experience, Brent shared his aspirations, “This is my first time being in the NCAA tournament. I’m just trying to, like Coach says, smell the roses. Be there for my teammates. Keep encouraging. We’re trying to do something special. Something that’s never been done here at Ole Miss.”
The upcoming bout with Iowa State promises to be a test for the Rebels, who will need to focus on limiting the scoring prowess of top Cyclones guard Curtis Jones, who averages 17.1 points per game.
As both teams prepare for their next clash, it's clear Ole Miss will count on its veteran guidance and possibly, on their secret weapon—Brett—to inspire them in pursuit of NCAA tournament glory.
Key Player Match-Up: Milan Momcilovic vs. Ole Miss Defense
The Cyclones arrive in Milwaukee after a commanding 82-55 victory over Lipscomb, largely credited to their standout forward Milan Momcilovic, who scored 20 points in that match-up. Standing at 6-foot-8, he presents a unique challenge for the Ole Miss defense. Known for his ability to stretch the floor and shoot from beyond the arc, Momcilovic is shooting 41% on 3-pointers this season.
His size coupled with versatility makes him a difficult player to defend, and Ole Miss plans to counter this threat with a strategic combination of talent, including Malik Dia, Jaemyn Brakefield, and Dre Davis.
Like Brent, this encounter will require that Ole Miss maintains its composure when facing a formidable opponent. As expressed by Coach Beard, “This will be a real round of 32 game. There are two teams that are worthy to get into the second weekend. We’ll have to play our best for 40 minutes.”
The excitement surrounding the NCAA tournament continues to grow, with fans eager to see how Ole Miss will navigate their match-up against Iowa State, and whether they can advance deeper into the tournament than ever before.
