By Adam Brown
Sports Editor
adam.brown@hottytoddy.com
Ole Miss opened the 2021-22 season 82-61 win behind a strong performance against the New Orleans Pirates on Tuesday night.
“New Orleans fought it hard tonight,” Kermit Davis said. “A team to pick to win the Southland.”
Ole Miss (1-0, 0-0 SEC) took advantage of the game at the 10:36 mark of the first half coming back from a 17-11 deficit then went on a 19-2 run over the Pirates to go up 30-19.
Ole Miss had five players reach double figures against the Pirates. The Rebels were led in scoring by Austin Crowley with 13 points. His teammates Jarkel Joiner (12 points, three rebounds, two assists, 2-of-4 3PT), and Rebel transfers Nysier Brooks (11 points, four rebounds, one assist, one block), Jaemyn Brakefield (10 points, three rebounds, two assists, one block) and Tye Fagan (10 points, two assists, one steal 2-of-2 3PT).
“We had almost six guys in double-figures,” Davis said.
At the half, Ole Miss took a 41-31 advantage into the locker room. The Rebels were led in scoring by Crowley with 11 points.
“In the first half, we got over 40 points and in the second half we saw the ball move better,” Davis said.
New Orlean’s was led by Derek St. Hilarie in the half who had 13 points. St. Hilarie finished the night with 21 points that led all scorers.
Ole Miss’ defense held the Pirates to shoot 44 percent from the field.
The Rebels shot 53 percent from the field on the night and 41 percent from beyond the arc.
Ole Miss returns to action on Friday night as they play host to Charleston Southern. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. on SECNetwork+.
