Ole Miss’ backcourt quartet faces a difficult task for Alabama.
As the Ole Miss Rebels prepare for their highly anticipated matchup against Alabama, their backcourt quartet faces an especially challenging task. Known for their fast-paced offense, three-point shooting, and defensive prowess, the Crimson Tide present one of the most formidable challenges of the season for Ole Miss’ backcourt players. For the Rebels to have any chance of upsetting Alabama and leaving with a win, their backcourt must play at an elite level—containing Alabama’s guards while also contributing on offense.
This article delves into the key challenges that Ole Miss’ backcourt will face in this game, the individual players tasked with handling this pressure, and how they can rise to the occasion against one of the most potent teams in college basketball.
The Challenge of Defending Alabama’s High-Flying Offense
At the heart of Alabama’s success this season is their potent offensive attack, which is driven by their backcourt. The Crimson Tide boast one of the most dynamic guard duos in college basketball, led by Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears. Both players have the ability to control the tempo of the game, shoot from distance, and attack the rim. Quinerly, a former SEC Player of the Year, is an experienced floor general who is capable of distributing the ball and making plays for his teammates, while Sears is a scoring machine who excels as a catch-and-shoot threat, especially from beyond the arc.
With both guards being capable of getting hot quickly, it’s vital that Ole Miss’ backcourt remain disciplined in their defensive assignments. The Rebels’ defensive guards, including Daeshun Ruffin, Matthew Murrell, and others, will need to stay in front of these two dynamic players at all times, limiting their space and forcing them into uncomfortable shots.
What makes Alabama so difficult to defend is the sheer pace at which they operate. Head coach Nate Oats has instilled a run-and-gun offense that places a heavy emphasis on transition basketball. The Rebels’ backcourt will be asked to not only slow down Alabama’s guards but also transition quickly between defense and offense. The key will be for Ole Miss to make sure they get back on defense in time and prevent Alabama from capitalizing on easy fast-break opportunities.
One of the biggest challenges Ole Miss faces is containing the pick-and-roll game. Alabama runs a ton of pick-and-roll sets, utilizing their guards to either create space for a shooter or dive to the basket. Ole Miss’ backcourt must communicate well to navigate these screens and not get caught in mismatches, particularly against Noah Gurley or Charles Bediako, Alabama’s versatile big men. Ruffin, in particular, will have to prove himself as a capable defender against these multiple offensive threats.
Ole Miss’ Backcourt Quartet: Key Players
While the Rebels face a tough challenge, they certainly have players capable of holding their own. Ole Miss’ backcourt may not have the same star power as Alabama’s, but they are tough, scrappy, and unafraid of adversity. Let’s take a closer look at the four key players in Ole Miss’ backcourt and the roles they must play to keep the game competitive.
Daeshun Ruffin: The Defensive Anchor
Daeshun Ruffin, the sophomore guard from Meridian, Mississippi, has shown glimpses of his potential as both a defender and a scorer. Standing at just 5’9”, Ruffin’s size may be a disadvantage when matched up against bigger players, but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up for in quickness and tenacity. Ruffin is capable of guarding larger players and using his speed to disrupt passing lanes.
Against Alabama, Ruffin’s biggest task will be guarding Jahvon Quinerly, who excels at creating his own shot and getting others involved. Ruffin’s defense will need to be on point, cutting off passing lanes and forcing Quinerly into tough shots. Offensively, Ruffin needs to keep the pressure on Alabama’s defense by penetrating the lane and distributing to his teammates. However, if he can make mid-range jumpers and finish at the rim, he will become even more of a threat.
Matthew Murrell: The Scoring Threat
Matthew Murrell, a junior guard from Memphis, Tennessee, is the player who is likely to carry much of the scoring load for Ole Miss in this contest. Murrell is a gifted offensive player who can score in multiple ways—whether through attacking the rim or shooting from long range. With Alabama likely to focus on limiting his ability to score, Murrell will need to keep his composure and look for ways to get his shot off despite constant pressure.
Murrell’s role will be crucial in matching the firepower of Alabama’s guards. He will need to excel as a spot-up shooter but also create his own offense when opportunities arise. Against Alabama’s aggressive defense, it will be essential for Murrell to use screens and move off the ball to get open for clean shots.
However, Murrell’s impact won’t be limited to just scoring. He’ll also need to step up defensively, especially in guarding Mark Sears, one of Alabama’s most dangerous perimeter players. Sears has shown an ability to break down defenses with his ability to create space, so Murrell must limit his looks from three and disrupt his rhythm.
Tyler Liddell: The Versatile Presence
Tyler Liddell is a player who may not always receive the attention he deserves but can have a significant impact on the game. Liddell is a 6’5” guard with the size and strength to compete with some of Alabama’s bigger guards. He plays with a high motor and can make contributions on both ends of the court.
Liddell’s versatility will be crucial against Alabama. His length will help him contest shots on defense and give him an advantage in matchups against Alabama’s wings. On offense, Liddell can be used in multiple roles—whether spotting up for a three, attacking the basket, or running off screens. His ability to create mismatches, particularly against smaller defenders, could be one of Ole Miss’ offensive advantages.
If Liddell can provide some scoring and be an active presence on the boards, he could help relieve pressure off of Ruffin and Murrell, creating a more balanced attack for the Rebels.
Jarkel Joiner: The Leadership Figure
Jarkel Joiner, a senior guard who transferred from California State, has seen his fair share of SEC action. Joiner brings a level of experience and leadership to the backcourt, which will be crucial in handling Alabama’s fast-paced offense. Joiner can be an effective scorer when needed, but he’s also a reliable ball handler who can settle the team down when they need a more structured offense.
Joiner’s leadership will be key when Ole Miss faces adversity, especially against a team like Alabama that thrives on creating chaos. Whether it’s controlling the tempo, distributing the ball, or running a set play, Joiner’s ability to stay calm under pressure and make good decisions could be the X-factor for the Rebels.
How Ole Miss Can Succeed
While the Rebels face a daunting task against Alabama, there are several strategies they can employ to keep the game close and possibly secure a win.
- Limit Turnovers: One of Alabama’s strengths is their ability to force turnovers and turn them into quick points. Ole Miss will need to be deliberate with their ball handling, making sure they don’t give Alabama easy opportunities in transition. Ruffin and Joiner, in particular, must protect the ball and make smart passes to keep the offense flowing.
- Rebound Effectively: Alabama’s aggressive offense often results in plenty of shots, so Ole Miss must focus on securing defensive rebounds. This will prevent second-chance points and allow the Rebels to push the ball the other way in transition.
- Maximize Offensive Efficiency: Ole Miss may not match Alabama’s offensive firepower, but they can be efficient with their shot selection. Murrell and Liddell will need to knock down their open shots, while Ruffin and Joiner must get into the paint and make plays for others. The Rebels must capitalize on every opportunity, as they will not get many second chances against a high-octane team like Alabama.
- Contain the Perimeter: Alabama’s offense runs through their guards, particularly Sears and Quinerly. Ole Miss will need to limit their three-point opportunities and make it difficult for them to drive to the basket. Ruffin and Murrell, in particular, must step up defensively to keep Alabama’s backcourt from gaining momentum.
