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For a while there, it looked like Bama was going to spoil the housewarming party. But on the opening night of Ole Miss' new $96-million hoops arena, the Rebs overcame a first-half collapse to rally back for a 74-66 win.
The Pavilion, packed to its capacity of 9,500, was rocking from the opening tip, spurning the Rebs to a 25-15 lead with about nine minutes to go in the first half. But a perimeter barrage from Bama (their seven first-half threes equaled their per game average this season) and cold shooting from Andy Kennedy's club (which went about five minutes without a bucket at one point) gave the Tide an 8-point lead heading into the break.
Ole Miss came roaring into the second-half, though, recapturing the lead with nine minutes left in the game. Most of that work was done by Sebastian Saiz, who was absolutely dominant in his fifth double-double performance of the season. He piled up 21 points, 16 rebounds and a block to steady the Rebs under the basket while they worked their way back. We said before the season that Sebas needed to be an All-SEC-type performer if this team was going to compete and that's exactly what he's doing.
Stefan Moody wasn't too shabby himself, pouring in 21 and OH MY GOD TAKE COVER
Marshall did the first 'Are You Ready?'
The one and only Marshall Henderson kicking off the New Era in #ThePavilion! pic.twitter.com/Ca2B2x0vnF
— Kyle Cole (@ColeMissSports) January 8, 2016
And AK's daughter sang the first National Anthem.
The SEC commish was in the house...
Great night to be in Oxford for opening of The Pavilion and an @SEC game between @AlabamaMBB and @OleMisMBB pic.twitter.com/3CQ9buozJL
— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) January 8, 2016
... as was Hugh Freeze and Shep Smith.
Huuuuuuuuuuugh!!! @CoachHughFreeze is enjoying the game tonight at #ThePavilion #ForwardTogether #WAOM https://t.co/SHOPxDSn5h
— Ole Miss Basketball (@OleMissMBB) January 8, 2016
Oh hey @ShepNewsTeam! #ThePavilion @OleMissMBB pic.twitter.com/UfzpDKGAWJ
— OleMissPix (@OleMissPix) January 8, 2016
Bjork was on the kiss cam.
@RossBjorkAD makes his #KissCam debut at #ThePavilion #ForwardTogether https://t.co/2R6doHhTew
— Ole Miss Basketball (@OleMissMBB) January 8, 2016
The food was on point.
Concessions at #ThePavilion are delicious. What's better than that?? I used Apple Pay for this gourmet burger. pic.twitter.com/s39j76Qxjx
— Michael Thompson (@mtjrolemiss) January 8, 2016
Im in the Pavillion court side club eating prime rib. I feel so civilized.
— Right Field Heckler (@RFhater) January 8, 2016
@RedCupRebellion pic.twitter.com/oQiUwatydI
— Heather Lee (@HeatherWLee) January 8, 2016
In case anyone thought I was lying about the prime rib. Here she is...the beautiful prime rib lady. I love her. pic.twitter.com/ha5GZqQMpn
— Right Field Heckler (@RFhater) January 8, 2016
It's almost as good as the braised short ribs. https://t.co/FK37grM3Sa
— Right Field Heckler (@RFhater) January 8, 2016