Jan 8, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Ole Miss Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) celebrates in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Ole Miss won 73-66. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images / Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Malik Dia set season highs with 23 points and 19 rebounds, and No. 21 Ole Miss' stifling defense led to a 74-64 win over No. 4 Alabama on Tuesday in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

It was easy to overlook a hot start to Chris Beard's second season at Ole Miss for a couple of reasons. The Rebels also started with a bang in 2023-24, standing at 15-1 this time last year before going 5-11 and missing the NCAA Tournament.

Ole Miss basketball head coach Chris Beard wants more respect for his program after a historic win vs Alabama.

Alabama basketball entered Tuesday’s matchup with Ole Miss flying high off a road SEC win at Texas A&M. When the night at Coleman Coliseum ended, the Crimson Tide had lost 74-64, and what is allegedly one of the top teams in college basketball had some serious questions.

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Alabama is 9-1 against Ole Miss since March of 2016, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Tuesday. Both will face off in an SEC battle at 7:00 p.m. ET at Coleman Coliseum. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as the Crimson Tide come in on eight and the Rebels on three.