The Rebels silence the doubters with a gritty win—and Beard isn’t letting the critics off the hook.
Ole Miss entered the 2024 NCAA Tournament with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. Pundits, analysts, and skeptics had written them off as “frauds,” none louder than CBS Sports’ Tim Doyle, who openly doubted their legitimacy heading into March Madness.
But after Friday night, Chris Beard and his Rebels aren’t just in the dance—they’re making noise.
A Statement Win That Almost Slipped Away
For most of the game, Ole Miss looked unstoppable. They came out swinging against the storied North Carolina Tar Heels, building a stunning 22-point lead early in the second half. It was a performance that had fans on their feet, critics eating their words, and momentum fully in their favor.
Then, chaos ensued.
UNC, a battle-tested squad with championship pedigree, mounted a furious second-half comeback. The once-unshakeable Rebels suddenly found themselves clinging to a two-point advantage as the Tar Heels roared back into contention.
But when it mattered most, Chris Beard’s squad refused to break.
With clutch plays, defensive resilience, and a refusal to let history repeat itself, Ole Miss weathered the storm and secured a 71-64 victory—their first March Madness win since 2015.
Beard’s Mic-Drop Moment
After the game, Beard wasted no time setting the record straight, sending a clear message to those who doubted his team—including Tim Doyle.
“I do think we looked poised at times,” Beard said in his postgame press conference, his words dripping with satisfaction. “We were composed when it mattered most. I didn’t see anything about our team today that looked like there’s a fraud in our program.”
Ouch. That wasn’t just a response—it was a statement, a mic-drop moment that solidified Beard’s belief in his team and put critics in their place.
What’s Next for the Rebels?
With their confidence soaring, Ole Miss now turns its attention to a high-stakes showdown with No. 3-seeded Iowa State on Sunday. A win over the Cyclones would not only propel them deeper into the tournament—it would mark a seismic moment for Beard’s program, proving that the Rebels are no longer underdogs, but true contenders.
Critics doubted them. Experts dismissed them. But Ole Miss just served up a reality check—and they’re not done yet.
