SEC Basketball: Takeaways from quarterfinal round of 2021 tournament

By Matt Melton | Mar 13, 2021

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 12: Juwan Gary #4 and Jahvon Quinerly #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate connecting on a alley oop dunk as head coach Ben Howland of the Mississippi State Bulldogs calls a timeout during the first half of their quarterfinal game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 12, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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SEC Basketball Cameron Thomas LSU Tigers (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

LSU Potentially Ends Ole Miss’ NCAA Tournament Chances

This was a must-win game for the Ole Miss Rebels. The Rebels entered the day in the “First Four Out” group according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and would move into the “Last Four In” with a win.

That was not the case however as LSU defeated Ole Miss 76-73 in a back and forth game on Friday night. The Tigers were led by Trendon Watford who finished with 24 points and 7 rebounds. The Tigers also got 20 points and 12 rebounds from Darius Days, as well as 18 points from Cameron Thomas.

Ole Miss did not go quietly however as the Rebels shot 39.7% from the field and hit some big shots down the stretch to keep it close. The Rebels were led by Jarkel Joiner who finished with 26 points and also got 18 points and 12 rebounds from Romello White.

This could potentially be the end of Ole Miss’ NCAA Tournament hopes, while LSU will advance to face Arkansas on Saturday in the SEC Tournament Semifinals. Has the Rebels Bubble burst, or is there still a way they can sneak into March Madness?

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