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Ole Miss blows past No. 10 Missouri, 80-59, and are now on the NCAA Tournament bubble

The Rebs are runnin’, y’all.

By John Macon Gillespie
Ole Miss Athletics

Bubble.

That’s the word that’s been floating around Oxford, albeit in whispers, in recent days. Now, it will be shouted. Or, at least, audibly echoed in the taverns and bars of the square.

The Rebels are on a 3-0 run in which all three wins have been quadrant one, and two have come over top-15 teams at home. Now, there’s likely a path that, if things go to chalk, Ole Miss can make the Big Dance (see: March Madness).

Honestly, even if they don’t, what a turnaround it’s been. Most of us pronounced this team dead a week and a half ago, but now, things look completely different. Wins over Tennessee, Auburn and Mizzou. That’s what we call “a streak” in the business, and the Rebs are in the middle of it.

As far as the game itself, Jarkel Joiner went o-f-f. He led the team with 21 points and has really found his rhythm from the mid-range jumper. After a slow start to the season, he’s now showing why folks were high on him coming back to Oxford. Devontae Shuler and Luis Rodriguez were tied for second with 15 points. What’s even more interesting is Ole Miss scored 80 points without a huge night from Romello White who dropped 30 at Auburn on Saturday. White didn’t see the floor a ton on Wednesday, so this team scoring in bunches like it did with some efficient guard play is a good sign moving forward for the good guys.

By the way, here’s Ole Miss’ remaining schedule:

  • Feb. 13 — at South Carolina (kinda scary considering the win streak)
  • Feb. 20 — Mississippi State (kinda scary always)
  • Feb. 23 — at Missouri (kinda scary bc revenge sucks)
  • Feb. 27 — at Vanderbilt (LOL)
  • Mar. 2 — Kentucky (CALIPARI SIZED LOL)

If things stood where they do today, the Rebels would likely be favored in four of these five, with the game in CoMo the exception. Win those four? You’re likely dancing. Win all five? Man, yes, bring it.

Here’s some reaction from the Twittersphere following Ole Miss’ top-10 win.

Remember when I questioned if Kermit Davis could get it done in Oxford following the road Georgia loss? He’s been making me eat crow ever since. And I’m more than okay with that. I don’t know how else to explain this improbable run except “wow,” and, for once, I’m enjoying being proven wrong.

You wanted to be on the bubble in February? You wanted to be in the national conversation? Congratulations. You’re looking at it.