In their first meeting against Chris Beard since firing, the Texas Longhorns lose at Ole Miss, ranked number 23.
Texas Longhorns Fall to Ole Miss in First Meeting with Chris Beard Since Firing
In a highly anticipated showdown on January 29, 2025, the Texas Longhorns faced off against Ole Miss at The Pavilion in Oxford, Mississippi. The matchup held special significance as it marked the first meeting between the two teams since the departure of Chris Beard, the former Texas head coach who was dismissed amid legal controversies. The Longhorns had been under the guidance of interim head coach Rodney Terry, who had steered the team admirably through a tumultuous season. However, despite their best efforts, Texas fell short in this critical SEC-Big 12 matchup, suffering a 78-72 defeat at the hands of Ole Miss.
Setting the Stage: A Complex and Tense Reunion
The atmosphere in Oxford was electric. The fans, packed into the arena and chanting with fervor, seemed to understand the historical context of the game. Chris Beard had spent several years as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns before his abrupt and controversial firing in early 2025. His tenure at Texas had been marked by success, including an impressive run to the NCAA tournament, but his departure had left a cloud of uncertainty over the program.
While Beard’s personal circumstances had become the subject of national headlines, many saw this game as an emotional moment for both the Texas players and their supporters, as well as for Beard himself. His decision to leave Texas for Ole Miss had drawn significant attention, as it was rare to see such a high-profile coach shift allegiances within the same season, particularly given the delicate timing of the move.
For Texas, this game represented more than just another contest. It was a chance to show that they could overcome adversity and continue to compete at a high level without Beard at the helm. Interim coach Rodney Terry had stepped into a challenging situation, but he had built a resilient squad that remained competitive throughout the season. However, the matchup against Ole Miss would serve as a definitive test for both the Longhorns’ players and Terry as they sought to navigate a season filled with distractions.
The Game Breakdown: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game began with a high intensity, with both teams showing the kind of energy one might expect from a rivalry matchup. Ole Miss came out with strong defensive pressure, forcing Texas to adjust its offensive flow early on. The Rebels employed an aggressive full-court press that caused problems for Texas, who struggled with ball control and rhythm during the opening minutes. At the same time, Ole Miss capitalized on several fast-break opportunities, getting out in transition and scoring quickly in the early going.
For Texas, the key to staying competitive was keeping the game within striking distance and weathering the storm early. Senior guard Marcus Carr, the Longhorns’ leader, took charge offensively, using his experience to make timely plays and keep his team within reach. Carr’s ability to attack the basket and score in clutch moments was vital to Texas’s efforts, as he ended the game with 22 points, leading all scorers for the Longhorns. His contributions were not just in scoring but also in setting up teammates, showing poise and leadership under pressure.
However, Ole Miss was a tough opponent, and they quickly showed why they had been able to climb into the AP Top 25. The Rebels were led by star forward Jarkel Joiner, who consistently found ways to score, finishing with 18 points and contributing several key assists. Joiner’s ability to break down the Texas defense allowed Ole Miss to maintain a slight edge throughout much of the game. Alongside him, guard Matthew Murrell and forward Jaemyn Brakefield made their presence felt, with Murrell hitting several crucial three-pointers and Brakefield contributing with his rebounding and interior scoring.
One of the key turning points in the game came late in the second half when Ole Miss went on a 10-0 run. The Longhorns had managed to claw their way back into contention, cutting the deficit to just three points with under four minutes remaining. However, Ole Miss responded with a string of successful plays, including back-to-back three-pointers from Murrell, and some tough inside baskets from Brakefield. This offensive surge allowed Ole Miss to stretch their lead to 78-70 with just under a minute remaining, making it difficult for Texas to recover.
In the final minute, Texas showed resilience, with Carr and freshman guard Tyrese Hunter both scoring to cut the lead to 78-72. However, the Longhorns could not get any closer, as a late turnover and missed shots sealed their fate. Despite strong performances from their leaders, Texas was unable to overcome the deficit, and the game ended with a 78-72 victory for Ole Miss.
The Impact of Chris Beard’s Departure on the Texas Program
The loss to Ole Miss raised several important questions about the Texas Longhorns and their trajectory for the remainder of the season. While the team had shown great promise under interim head coach Rodney Terry, this defeat was a reminder that the transition away from Chris Beard’s leadership had not been seamless.
Chris Beard had built a culture of discipline and success during his time in Austin, leading the Longhorns to national prominence and making them a contender in the competitive Big 12. His sudden departure left a void, one that would be difficult to fill. Texas fans had hoped that the team could maintain its level of play under Terry, but this game demonstrated that they were still adjusting to the new coaching structure and the loss of their former leader.
Terry, for his part, had kept Texas competitive throughout the season. His ability to adjust strategies on the fly and maintain team morale in difficult times had earned him praise. However, this loss to Ole Miss was a stark reminder of the difficulties inherent in coaching in a high-pressure environment like Texas, especially with the added weight of trying to succeed in the wake of Beard’s firing.
One of the biggest challenges for Terry has been managing a roster with high expectations but also a sense of uncertainty about the program’s long-term future. While Texas had some talented players, they were still trying to find their identity as a team. The loss to Ole Miss exposed some of those struggles, particularly in terms of ball handling, defensive consistency, and late-game execution.
The absence of Chris Beard’s influence on the sidelines was particularly evident in moments when the Longhorns seemed to lack direction. In contrast, Ole Miss, under the guidance of their new coach, had the upper hand in terms of overall cohesiveness and game planning. Beard’s departure had left a void, but Ole Miss seemed to embrace their role with a sense of urgency and focus.
The Road Ahead for Texas
Despite the loss, the Texas Longhorns still have plenty to play for this season. With several talented players on the roster, including Carr, Hunter, and versatile forward Dillon Mitchell, the Longhorns have the potential to remain competitive in the Big 12 and make a run in the NCAA tournament. However, they will need to make adjustments and continue building chemistry if they are to overcome the challenges they have faced since Chris Beard’s exit.
One area in which Texas will need to improve is their defense. Ole Miss exposed some weaknesses in Texas’s defensive schemes, particularly in terms of guarding the perimeter and handling pick-and-roll situations. While the Longhorns have been solid defensively for much of the season, this loss highlighted the need for further refinement in key areas. Terry and his coaching staff will need to find ways to tighten up defensively, especially against high-scoring teams.
Offensively, the Longhorns will also need to continue refining their ball movement and shot selection. While Carr has been an effective leader, there were moments during the Ole Miss game when Texas struggled to execute in half-court sets, particularly in crunch time. The development of younger players, including Hunter and Mitchell, will be crucial moving forward, as their growth could be the key to Texas regaining its form.
Conclusion: A Test of Resilience
The Texas Longhorns’ 78-72 loss to Ole Miss was more than just another defeat. It was a reminder of the challenges that come with change, particularly in the high-stakes world of college basketball. While the Longhorns had shown promise under interim head coach Rodney Terry, this game exposed some of the difficulties of trying to build a new identity without the leadership of Chris Beard.
For Ole Miss, the win was a testament to the program’s growth under their new leadership and their ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented by Texas’s struggles. The Rebels’ victory was a crucial step in solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the SEC, as they proved they could handle a pressure-packed matchup against a high-profile opponent.
As Texas moves forward, they will need to reflect on the lessons from this loss and work on addressing the areas that held them back in Oxford. The road ahead is still long, but with the talent on the roster, the Longhorns have the potential to rebound and become a force to be reckoned with in both the Big 12 and the national picture.
In the end, this loss was a test of the Longhorns’ resilience, and it will be up to Terry and his team to bounce back and prove that they can continue to compete at the highest levels of college basketball, despite the distractions and challenges that have followed them throughout this turbulent season.
