The No. 13 Texas A&M Aggies executed a thrilling comeback against the No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels, sealing their victory with just six seconds remaining on the clock to win 63-62. This intense Southeastern Conference matchup took place on January 22, 2025, at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion in Oxford, Mississippi.
The game was filled with dramatic swings, and the Rebels seemed to be on their way to victory, leading for nearly the entire contest. They built up as much as an 11-point advantage early in the second half, thanks to contributions from key players like Sean Pedulla, who scored 16 points and provided steady shooting. Ole Miss quickly capitalized on their home court advantage, taking control early on with back-to-back three-pointers from Jaylen Murray and Matthew Murrell.
Despite facing substantial challenges, including 20 turnovers, the Aggies showed incredible resilience. Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams noted, "I think our guys play with great belief in one another... sometimes, it gives you a chance when things never go your way." His team certainly showcased this belief, as they implemented their defensive strategy effectively, forcing Ole Miss to make mistakes down the stretch.
Ole Miss began the second half with invigorated energy and quickly regained their momentum. Malik Dia showcased his abilities, scoring six points and helping the Rebels establish dominance. But as the game progressed, lapses began to surface for Ole Miss, including missed free throws and unforced errors. Chris Beard, the Ole Miss head coach, reflected on his team's final minutes, stating, "There’s a lot to learn from this," after they let the game slip through their fingers.
Gradually, the Aggies began to chip away at the Rebel's lead. Zhuric Phelps was instrumental during this phase, leading the fight by honing his scoring instincts. He finished the game with 14 points, demonstrating determination even when pivotal shots did not fall his way.
The momentum shifted dramatically when Texas A&M went on an 11-2 run, closing the gap to just one point with less than two minutes remaining. With the clock ticking down, the Aggies’ efforts culminated when Manny Obaseki received the ball and launched a three-pointer from the arc with unlabeled poise. His shot swished through the rim, marking the first lead for Texas A&M all night and sending Aggie fans and players alike roaring with excitement.
Despite the tense finish, the Aggies showcased their prowess on the boards, out-rebounding the Rebels by 17, collecting 48 total rebounds compared to Ole Miss's 31. Those offensive rebounds turned out to be key, as Texas A&M capitalized for 13 second-chance points, assisting their comeback efforts significantly. The Aggies’ dominating presence on the glass, especially their lead among offensive rebounds, is what kept them alive throughout the game.
Obaseki's heroics were the talk of the night, with his final shot reflecting the Aggies’ grit and determination to claim victory after trailing for so long. Teammate Pharrel Payne offered strong support with ten points and six rebounds, contributing to the overall effort to claw back from the depths.
Still, the Rebels had their chance to close it out, leading heading to the final moments, but the mental lapses proved too costly. A late foul sent Ole Miss guard Davon Barnes to the free-throw line, where he missed the first of a one-and-one opportunity. This was the key moment leading to A&M gaining possession and the chance to strike back at the last minute.
Ole Miss's inability to secure the victory at home marked their first loss of the season on their floor, prompting mixed feelings as Beard assessed the performance. The Rebels began this game on such solid footing but could not maintain their composure when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering how the game slipped away so quickly.
Both teams maintain strong positions within the SEC, with Texas A&M boasting remarkable resilience to overcome adversity and Ole Miss facing questions on how to secure leads against tough opponent pressure. With their victory, the Aggies' record improved to 15-4, demonstrating their capability as they now look forward to their upcoming challenges within the season.
This matchup showcased not only the competitive spirit of both teams but also the thrilling nature of college basketball within the SEC, where every game can shift immediately and unpredictably. The road forward suggests improvements are necessary for Ole Miss, meanwhile Texas A&M can take confidence from their hard-fought comeback heading onward.