Tennessee Basketball Upset by Ole Miss on Senior Night in Oxford: A Stunning Turn of Events

The college basketball world was rocked on March 6, 2025, when the Ole Miss Rebels pulled off an improbable victory over the Tennessee Volunteers on Senior Night in Oxford. Tennessee, a team with high expectations and an impressive season record, were favorites heading into the game. However, Ole Miss, fighting to finish their season strong and with the emotion of Senior Night behind them, delivered one of the most surprising upsets of the season.

As the game unfolded, it became evident that Ole Miss was not intimidated by the mighty Volunteers. Their defense was stout, their offense was efficient, and the atmosphere in The Pavilion at Ole Miss provided the perfect stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Rebels’ regular season. For Tennessee, the loss was a setback that left their fans and coaching staff with more questions than answers.

In this article, we’ll break down the key moments of the game, analyze the impact of the upset, and reflect on how this game will affect both teams as they look ahead to the postseason.

The Build-Up: A Battle of Contrasts

Heading into this matchup, Tennessee was poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The Volunteers had been one of the top teams in the SEC throughout the regular season, boasting a well-balanced roster featuring one of the nation’s top defenses and a potent offense led by standout guard Santiago Vescovi and forward Olivier Nkamhoua.

On the other side, Ole Miss had struggled throughout the season. With a record hovering around .500 in the SEC, the Rebels were not expected to make any noise in the postseason. However, Senior Night added a layer of emotion to the game. Ole Miss was determined to send their seniors out on a high note, and with the support of a passionate home crowd, they were ready to prove that they were not just a stepping stone for a Tennessee team gearing up for the postseason.

First Half: The Rebels’ Early Dominance

From the opening tip, it was clear that Ole Miss was playing with a sense of urgency. The Rebels were aggressive on both ends of the floor, refusing to back down from Tennessee’s intimidating presence. While the Volunteers tried to impose their will with their defense, Ole Miss kept things competitive, matching Tennessee’s intensity and even exceeding it in several key areas.

Defensively, Ole Miss was disruptive. They pressured the ball on the perimeter, forcing Tennessee to work for every shot. Tennessee, typically a strong three-point shooting team, found themselves taking contested shots from beyond the arc, many of which did not fall early in the game. This stifled their offense, and the Rebels capitalized with fast breaks and well-executed offensive sets.

In the first half, the Rebels were led by senior guard Jarkel Joiner, who seemed determined to make his final game in Oxford one to remember. Joiner was aggressive both as a scorer and a facilitator, dishing out key assists and hitting timely jump shots. His performance energized the crowd, and Ole Miss quickly built a lead.

Tennessee, however, wasn’t about to let the game slip away entirely. Vescovi kept the Volunteers within striking distance with his usual steady play, knocking down mid-range jumpers and getting into the lane for easy baskets. But the overall balance of Tennessee’s offense was disrupted by Ole Miss’ suffocating defense, and the Volunteers struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.

At halftime, Ole Miss held a surprising 39-34 lead. The Rebels had out-hustled and outworked Tennessee for much of the first 20 minutes, and the atmosphere in The Pavilion was electric, with fans sensing the possibility of a monumental upset.

The Second Half: Tennessee’s Struggles and Ole Miss’ Execution

As the second half began, Tennessee knew they had to adjust quickly. Head coach Rick Barnes made a few tactical adjustments, looking to generate more ball movement on offense and get Vescovi and Nkamhoua involved in the post. However, Ole Miss continued to assert their dominance on the defensive end, limiting Tennessee’s options and forcing the Volunteers into uncomfortable situations.

One of the key aspects of Ole Miss’ defense was their ability to limit Tennessee’s inside presence. Nkamhoua, who had been a dominant force in the post all season, struggled to establish any kind of rhythm. His usual physicality was neutralized by Ole Miss’ aggressive double teams, and the Rebels’ big men, including senior transfer Myles Burns, did an excellent job of contesting shots at the rim.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss’ offense was running like a well-oiled machine. Joiner continued to lead the way, but he was far from the only player contributing. Freshman guard Daeshun Ruffin showed flashes of brilliance, penetrating the Tennessee defense and finishing at the basket or dishing out assists to open shooters. Ole Miss was sharing the ball and making the extra pass, and it seemed as though everything they touched was turning to gold.

Tennessee, on the other hand, struggled to generate any kind of consistent offense. Their outside shooting remained inconsistent, and their reliance on jump shots only played into the hands of Ole Miss’ defense. As the clock ticked down in the second half, the Volunteers found themselves facing a growing deficit that they could not overcome.

With just under five minutes remaining in the game, Ole Miss held a 10-point lead, and the energy in the arena was palpable. It seemed as though an upset was not only possible but increasingly likely. Tennessee, typically a team that thrives under pressure, could not find the answers they needed. The Volunteers’ frustration began to show, and as the final minutes unfolded, the realization began to sink in—Tennessee would not escape with a victory on Senior Night in Oxford.

Key Performances: Ole Miss’ Senior Night Heroes

While the collective effort of Ole Miss was impressive, it was the performances of certain players that truly stood out.

Jarkel Joiner, in his final game at The Pavilion, delivered a sensational performance. He finished with 22 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, playing with a fire that had the crowd on its feet every time he touched the ball. Joiner’s ability to score from all areas of the floor—whether it was hitting clutch jump shots, finishing at the rim, or facilitating for teammates—was a huge factor in Ole Miss’ success.

Myles Burns, another senior, also had a standout game. The forward was a force on both ends of the court, finishing with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His defense was critical in keeping Tennessee’s big men in check, and his scoring gave Ole Miss the balance they needed to keep the lead.

In addition to Joiner and Burns, freshman Daeshun Ruffin was crucial in the second half. He finished with 16 points and 5 assists, and his ability to break down the defense and create scoring opportunities for himself and others was a key factor in Ole Miss’ success.

Tennessee’s Struggles: What Went Wrong?

For Tennessee, the loss was a disappointing and frustrating result. The Volunteers entered the game with the expectation of clinching a higher seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament, but their performance in Oxford raised concerns. Here are a few areas where Tennessee fell short:

1. Offensive Inconsistency: Tennessee’s offensive struggles were evident throughout the game. Their shooting, particularly from three-point range, was subpar, and they failed to establish a strong inside presence. Nkamhoua’s inability to get going offensively hurt their ability to find a rhythm, and their reliance on jump shots only played into Ole Miss’ hands.

2. Defensive Breakdown: While Tennessee is known for its defense, it was unable to contain Ole Miss’ offensive execution. The Rebels were able to move the ball effectively, create mismatches, and exploit the Volunteers’ defensive lapses. Tennessee’s defense, which had been a hallmark of their success this season, appeared vulnerable on this night.

3. Lack of Leadership: While Vescovi did what he could to keep the team in the game, Tennessee lacked the leadership and poise necessary to overcome a hostile environment. The Volunteers, who have been a cohesive and disciplined team all season, seemed rattled in the final minutes and struggled to execute under pressure.

Post-Game Reactions: A Bitter Pill to Swallow for Tennessee

After the final buzzer, Tennessee’s locker room was filled with frustration. Coach Rick Barnes was visibly disappointed, emphasizing that the team’s inability to execute and adjust to Ole Miss’ defense had cost them the game. The loss was a stark reminder that no opponent can be underestimated, no matter how the season is shaping up. For Barnes, the focus now shifts to ensuring that his team can bounce back and regain their form heading into the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.

For Ole Miss, the win was a crowning achievement for a team that had faced adversity all season. The Rebels’ ability to rise to the occasion and take down a top-tier opponent on Senior Night was a testament to their heart and determination. Head coach Kermit Davis expressed immense pride in his team’s effort, noting that they had shown what they were capable of when they played together and embraced the emotion of the moment.

 The Impact of the Upset

As Tennessee heads into the postseason, this loss will serve as a learning experience. The Volunteers will need to regroup, address their weaknesses, and refocus for the challenges ahead. Ole Miss, on the other hand, will take great confidence from this victory, though they will need to carry that momentum into the SEC Tournament if they hope to earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Senior Night in Oxford will be remembered as one of the most unforgettable moments of the 2025 college basketball season—a game where emotion, intensity, and determination all came together to create an upset for the ages.