Jaylen Murray Dominates Season Opener with 24 Points for Mississippi

Jaylen Murray led the way for No. 24 Mississippi in their season opener against Long Island on November 4, 2024. He scored 18 of his 24 points during a strong first half, helping the Rebels establish a commanding lead by halftime. The Rebels were ahead 44-27 at the break, taking control with a crucial 13-0 run, which included multiple three-pointers. Mississippi's offense gained momentum as they finished the game shooting 49% from the field. In addition to Murray's impressive performance, Jaemyn Brakefield contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, while both Matthew Murrell and Dre Davis added 11 points each. On the opposing side, Long Island had notable performances from Brent Davis and Malachi Davis, who each scored 19 points, but were ultimately outmatched by the Rebels. This opening victory was expected, given Long Island's recent struggles in previous seasons. Mississippi's performance showcased their potential for the season ahead, although they did have a sluggish start. With such a overwhelming win against a less formidable opponent, the Rebels have set a positive tone for upcoming games. They are scheduled to host Grambling in their next matchup, while Long Island will welcome Pratt for their home opener. The game highlights the ongoing development process for Long Island's team under coach Rod Strickland, as they aim to improve after a disappointing record over the last two seasons.