Jaylen Murray shines with 28 points as Ole Miss defeats BYU

On November 28, 2024, during the Rady Children’s Invitational held in San Diego, California, Jaylen Murray displayed remarkable skill on the court, leading the No. 23 Ole Miss basketball team to a thrilling overtime victory over BYU, with a final score of 96-85. The game was intense, with the Rebels extending their nonconference winning streak to an impressive 19 games, the longest streak in the nation. Murray's performance in overtime was crucial, as he scored nine of his total 28 points, including a pivotal jumper that established the Rebels' lead for good. In the game, Ole Miss' Dre Davis and Matthew Murrell contributed significantly, scoring 18 points each, while Sean Pedulla added 13 points to the team's overall performance. BYU, which had a strong offensive start, led by Kanon Catchings with 17 points, saw contributions from Egor Demin, Richie Saunders, and Fousseyni Traore, who each scored 16 points. Despite the Cougars' efforts, including hitting multiple three-pointers and leading in certain stretches of the game, they could not surpass Ole Miss’ resilience during crucial moments. A key moment in regulation came when Murray made a layup to tie the game at 77, just 26 seconds before the end of regulation play. After a missed opportunity from BYU, the teams went into overtime where Ole Miss capitalized on their free-throw shooting, converting 29 of their 36 attempts overall. Davis led the team at the line, making 10 of his 14 free throws, which was critical in maintaining their advantage as BYU struggled to keep pace in the extra period. The victory sets up an exciting matchup for Ole Miss in the championship game against No. 13 Purdue, while BYU will play against NC State. This game is indicative of Ole Miss’ strong season so far, improving their record to 6-0, and showcasing their potential as a formidable opponent as they continue to build momentum in the current basketball season. The team’s performance not only highlights individual talents such as Jaylen Murray but also emphasizes their collective determination and strategic execution on the court, paving the way for future successes.