The Memphis Tigers watched a 13-point lead evaporate in the final minutes, then lost 73-64 in overtime to the Ole Miss Rebels on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Elma Roane Fieldhouse in Memphis, Tennessee. It wasn’t just a loss—it was a gut punch. Memphis had dominated for three quarters, looked poised to snap a three-game skid, and then—poof. The game slipped away in a 32-12 run by Ole Miss over the final 10 minutes and overtime. The Tigers, now 2-3, are staring at a season-defining question: Can they close out tough games?
A Third-Quarter Surge That Felt Like a Statement
Memphis came alive after halftime. Guard Chaé Harris erupted for 13 points in the third quarter alone, including a 5-0 spurt in under a minute that sent the 1,217 fans into a frenzy. Her four three-pointers set a new career high, and by the end of the frame, the Tigers led 52-41. Daejah Richmond added a layup to close the quarter, capping a 23-point performance—also a career best. For a moment, it felt like Memphis had found its rhythm. They were out-hustling a top-15 team. They were winning the physical battle. They were playing like they belonged.The Turnaround No One Saw Coming
Then came the fourth quarter. And overtime. Ole Miss, undefeated at 4-0 and fresh off a 2024-25 Sweet Sixteen run, didn’t panic. They tightened. They doubled down. They forced Memphis into silence. For four full minutes, the Tigers didn’t score. Not a basket. Not a free throw. Nothing. Meanwhile, Cotie McMahon and Sira Thienou—each finishing with 19 points—kept finding seams. Christeen Iwuala, the Rebels’ defensive anchor, grabbed 14 rebounds (to McMahon’s 12) and turned a loose ball into the game-tying basket with 18 seconds left. Her scramble, a diving save that looked like it came straight out of a highlight reel, led directly to McMahon’s clutch finish. The crowd went quiet. The momentum shifted. The game was tied at 58.Overtime: A Study in Contrasts
In overtime, Memphis looked exhausted. Ole Miss looked like champions. Richmond answered the Rebels’ first OT basket with a layup to tie it again. But then came the collapse. Memphis went 4-for-15 from the field in the final 5:00. They turned the ball over three times. They missed three open threes. They couldn’t get a stop. Meanwhile, Ole Miss hit five of their last seven shots. They outrebounded Memphis 9-3 in extra time. The final 10 minutes? A 32-12 rout. That’s not luck. That’s poise under pressure.
Who Carried the Load? The Numbers Tell the Story
For Memphis, Harris and Richmond were brilliant. Together, they scored 46 of the team’s 64 points. But no one else reached double digits. Amauri Williams added six points and three rebounds. The bench? Three points total. Meanwhile, Ole Miss had five players in double figures. Their depth, their experience, their poise—those were the difference makers. And while Memphis shot 42% from the field, they were just 3-for-14 from three in the second half. That’s not a shooting slump. That’s a mental block.A 15-Year Rivalry, Rekindled
This was the first meeting between the two programs since 2010. Fifteen years without a game. Fifteen years of different conferences, different schedules, different trajectories. Now, with Memphis in the American Athletic Conference and Ole Miss in the powerhouse SEC, this wasn’t just a non-conference game—it was a measuring stick. And Ole Miss passed with flying colors. The Rebels showed why they’re considered Final Four contenders. Memphis showed they’re still learning how to win when it matters most.
What’s Next? A Crucial Reset Against ETSU
The Tigers host East Tennessee State University (ETSU) on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 5:15 PM UTC at Elma Roane Fieldhouse. On paper, it’s a winnable game. ETSU is 1-4, coming off a 20-point loss to Austin Peay. But don’t be fooled. This isn’t just about getting a win. It’s about rebuilding confidence. It’s about proving they can finish. If Memphis comes out flat again, if they let nerves take over in the final minutes, the season could spiral. But if they play with the same energy they showed in the third quarter—only with better composure in the fourth—they might just find their identity."Despite a valiant effort, the Tigers need to sharpen their late-game performance to overcome competitive teams," noted BVM Sports. "The close match highlights potential but also the need for consistency as they move forward in the season."
For a team with two guards playing career-best basketball, the ceiling is high. But ceilings don’t mean anything if you can’t climb through the roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Memphis lose despite leading by 13 points in the third quarter?
Memphis lost because of a 32-12 scoring disadvantage in the final 10 minutes and overtime. The Tigers went scoreless for four minutes in the fourth quarter, missed key shots, and turned the ball over at critical moments. Ole Miss, by contrast, tightened defensively, hit clutch baskets, and used their experience to close out the game. Memphis’s bench contributed only three points, while Ole Miss had five double-figure scorers.
Who were the standout players for each team?
For Memphis, Chaé Harris scored a career-high 24 points with four three-pointers, and Daejah Richmond added 22 points. For Ole Miss, Cotie McMahon and Sira Thienou each scored 19 points, while Christeen Iwuala dominated the boards with 14 rebounds. Iwuala’s defensive hustle led directly to the game-tying basket, and McMahon’s poise in overtime sealed the win.
How significant is this loss for Memphis’s season?
This loss drops Memphis to 2-3 and exposes critical flaws in late-game execution. With a schedule featuring tough AAC opponents, the Tigers can’t afford to blow leads or crumble under pressure. If they can’t fix their closing ability, they’ll struggle to make a deep run in conference play—even if they have talented guards like Harris and Richmond.
Why did Ole Miss win despite being outrebounded in the first half?
Ole Miss adjusted their defensive intensity and forced Memphis into poor shots and turnovers. They also dominated the offensive glass in the second half, turning missed shots into second-chance points. Their experience—especially from players like Iwuala and McMahon—allowed them to stay composed when Memphis’s energy faded. The Rebels outrebounded Memphis 47-42 overall, flipping the script after trailing in the first half.
What does this game mean for the Ole Miss Rebels’ championship hopes?
This win reinforces Ole Miss as a serious SEC contender. Going 4-0 against a tough non-conference slate—including a comeback win over a motivated home team—shows resilience and depth. With McMahon and Thienou scoring efficiently and Iwuala anchoring the defense, they have the pieces to compete for a top-four seed in the NCAA tournament. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
When is Memphis’s next game, and what’s at stake?
Memphis hosts East Tennessee State University (ETSU) on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 5:15 PM UTC at Elma Roane Fieldhouse. With a 2-3 record, this is a must-win to avoid falling further behind in the AAC standings. More importantly, it’s a chance to prove they can close out games. If they lose again, the pressure will mount. If they win with poise, it could be the turning point of their season.
