Tennessee Basketball Upset by Ole Miss on Senior Night in Oxford: A Heartbreaking Loss for the Volunteers

The Tennessee Volunteers entered their matchup against Ole Miss on March 5, 2025, hoping to secure a vital win as they aimed to bolster their position heading into postseason play. Senior Night in Oxford is always a special occasion for the Ole Miss Rebels, but for Tennessee, this game quickly turned into a nightmare. What was expected to be a routine win for the Volunteers turned into an upset for the ages, as Ole Miss, playing in front of their home crowd, pulled off a stunning 78-73 victory, leaving Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament aspirations in jeopardy.

A Game Full of Drama and Upset

From the opening tip, the atmosphere in the Pavilion was electric. Senior Night for Ole Miss always brings extra emotion, and the Rebels fed off the crowd’s energy. For Tennessee, the game was important not just because of the potential victory, but because it also provided a chance for their senior class to leave a lasting mark. The Vols had everything to play for: a higher seeding in the NCAA Tournament, a chance to show their strength, and to give their seniors a victory to remember. But what transpired was something no one saw coming.

The first half saw Tennessee take an early lead, utilizing their typical strong defense and fast-paced offense. Volunteers’ star forward, Jonas Jackson, was playing with confidence and came out firing early, scoring six of the team’s first 10 points. His energy sparked the Vols, and for a time, it looked like they were going to overwhelm the Rebels. Tennessee’s defense was tight, limiting Ole Miss to poor shooting and forcing turnovers, and for a while, the game appeared to be headed in the Volunteers’ direction.

However, as is often the case in college basketball, games can change in the blink of an eye. The turning point in the first half came about midway through the period when Tennessee’s leading scorer, sophomore guard Malik Taylor, picked up two quick fouls and was forced to sit on the bench. Without Taylor on the floor, Tennessee’s offense sputtered, and Ole Miss began to find their rhythm. Senior guard and team leader, Chris Holloway, took advantage of the opportunity, knocking down several key shots and playing with the kind of swagger that made him one of the most dangerous players in the SEC.

Ole Miss’ defense tightened up, and they started to limit Tennessee’s easy looks. The Rebels’ pressure forced turnovers, and their offensive execution became smoother. The halftime buzzer sounded with Ole Miss holding a 39-34 lead, much to the shock of the Tennessee faithful in attendance. For the Volunteers, the second half would require an immediate response.

Second Half Struggles for Tennessee

The second half started much like the first, with Tennessee looking to regain control of the game. However, it was clear from the get-go that something was amiss. Ole Miss’ defensive pressure was relentless, and Tennessee’s shots weren’t falling in the same way they had in previous games. The Volunteers missed several open three-pointers, a weakness that has plagued them all season, and they couldn’t seem to buy a basket. Despite Tennessee’s best efforts, they were unable to make a significant run to retake the lead.

A major storyline that emerged in the second half was the rebounding battle. While Tennessee has often dominated the glass throughout the season, Ole Miss was the team that asserted themselves in this department. The Rebels grabbed crucial offensive boards, which allowed them to extend possessions and frustrate Tennessee’s defense. The Volunteers’ inability to box out effectively allowed Ole Miss to gain the upper hand in the physical battle.

The Rebels’ Chris Holloway continued to be a thorn in Tennessee’s side. With several key shots falling and his leadership on full display, Holloway seemed to will his team to victory. Ole Miss wasn’t only surviving without their star player; they were thriving. The tempo of the game shifted in their favor, and it seemed as though they had every answer to Tennessee’s challenges.

Tennessee made several runs to close the gap, but Ole Miss always seemed to have an answer. When Tennessee cut the lead to three points with just under two minutes left, the Rebels responded with a clutch three-pointer from junior forward Tyler Brooks. The basket silenced the Vols’ brief momentum, and the Rebels maintained a comfortable lead down the stretch.

Key Moments in the Final Minutes

As the clock wound down in the final moments of the game, Tennessee’s chances of pulling off a comeback appeared slim. The Vols were down by five points with 40 seconds left, and it seemed as though their fate was sealed. However, Tennessee’s resilience kicked in. A quick basket from Jonas Jackson and an immediate foul put Ole Miss on the free-throw line, giving the Vols one last opportunity to stay in the game.

With 16 seconds left, Tennessee’s defense forced a turnover, and Malik Taylor, back on the floor after sitting for much of the second half due to foul trouble, raced down the court with a chance to pull Tennessee within one point. But his layup attempt was blocked by Ole Miss forward Michael Duncan, whose timing and positioning were impeccable. The block essentially sealed the game for Ole Miss, as they were able to hit their free throws in the final seconds to secure a 78-73 victory.

Ole Miss’ Celebration and Tennessee’s Regret

The atmosphere in Oxford was one of pure jubilation as the Rebels celebrated their Senior Night victory, which they would remember for years to come. Chris Holloway, Tyler Brooks, and Michael Duncan led the charge, and the emotional intensity of the win made it clear that this was a monumental moment for Ole Miss basketball. The win was an impressive achievement for a team that had struggled for much of the season but had found a way to pull together when it mattered most.

For Tennessee, this loss was a bitter disappointment. The Volunteers were looking to capitalize on their momentum and solidify their NCAA Tournament spot with a strong finish to the regular season. The loss to Ole Miss threw their aspirations into doubt, and head coach Rick Barnes was visibly frustrated during his post-game interview. “We didn’t execute in the big moments, and we didn’t play with the urgency we needed to,” Barnes said. “That’s on me. I didn’t have our guys ready to go, and that’s something we have to correct before the postseason.”

Tennessee’s senior players, including Jonas Jackson and Malik Taylor, were emotional after the game. “We’ve worked so hard all season, and to come up short like this is tough,” Jackson said. “But we still have a chance to prove ourselves in the SEC Tournament. This isn’t the end for us.”

The Fallout: Tennessee’s Tournament Hopes

The loss to Ole Miss had serious implications for Tennessee’s chances of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Prior to the game, the Vols were firmly in the tournament picture, but this upset leaves them with little margin for error. The Volunteers will now need to make a deep run in the SEC Tournament to secure a spot in the Big Dance.

The loss also highlighted several weaknesses that Tennessee will need to address before March Madness. The Vols’ offense, while potent at times, can be inconsistent. The lack of perimeter shooting and inability to finish close to the basket in clutch moments will be a problem against stronger teams. Additionally, their defense, which has been one of their calling cards, showed cracks in this game, especially when it came to rebounding and defending the perimeter.

The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee will undoubtedly be watching closely as Tennessee heads into postseason play. With a strong resume but now a potentially damaging loss on their ledger, the Vols will need to make some noise in the SEC Tournament to ensure their place in the tournament field. Whether they can regroup after this setback will be a test of their character and resolve.

Looking Ahead for Ole Miss

For Ole Miss, the win was a monumental moment in what has been a tumultuous season. While they won’t be a tournament team, their victory over Tennessee serves as a testament to the resilience and heart of their players, especially the seniors. Chris Holloway, who was the heart and soul of the team, went out with a memorable performance, and the Rebels can take pride in ending their regular season with such a significant win.

As for the Volunteers, this loss will sting for a while, but their journey is far from over. Tennessee must now refocus and channel the adversity into a positive outcome, as March Madness is just around the corner. Their fate is still in their hands, but they will need to play much better than they did on Senior Night in Oxford if they want to make the most of the opportunity.