OXFORD, MS – Mervin James (St. Thomas, USVI/Pebblebrook [North Alabama]) led the Rider University men's basketball team with 11 points and nine rebounds, but the Broncs fell at Ole Miss, 75-51, Tuesday night at SJB Pavilion. The Rebels pulled away late with a 15-0 run to move to 5-2, while the Broncs fall to 3-6.

Following six lead changes in the early going, the Rebels created some separation with six-straight points to take a 13-8 lead at the midway point of the first half. Another pair of 6-0 runs pushed the Ole Miss lead to 12 points, 31-19, before a three-point play from James and a transition three-pointer from Murray cut the deficit to 31-25 at the half. James led Rider with seven points and six rebounds at the half.

After James converted the first bucket of the second half, the Rebels scored the next seven points to rebuild a double-digit advantage. The lead fluctuated between eight and 14 points until just over six minutes remained, when Ole Miss went on a 15-0 run to remove all doubt.
 
Quotes & Notes
"I didn't think we competed nearly enough for 40 minutes."

"We played a tough non-conference schedule. We played above our heads most of the time now. I certainly hope it'll help prepare us for league play." – Rider Head Coach Kevin Baggett

- Rider and Ole Miss met for the first time on the hardwood tonight.
- Dimencio Vaughn (New York, NY/Callaway/The Masters School [Ole Miss]) was playing against his team from 2020-21. After playing four years at Rider, Vaughn transferred to Ole Miss for last season. He then transferred back to Rider after the NCAA granted all winter sports athletes an extra year of eligibility in place of an abbreviate last season.  
- Tonight's game was the Broncs' sixth-straight played away from home, including four true road games and two games on a neutral court in Mexico.  
- Rider trailed at the half for just the third time in nine games this season.
- The Broncs return to action Friday, when they travel to Iona for their MAAC opener. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. (ET) at the Hynes Athletic Center.   

Broncs by the Numbers
- James led the Broncs with 11 points and nine rebounds. However, he hit just four of a season-high 18 attempts from the floor.
- Ajiri Ogemuno-Johnson (Delta State, Nigeria/Monsignor Bonner) added 10 points and five rebounds. He made 4-of-9 attempts.
- Vaughn and Dwight Murray, Jr. (Austell, GA/Pebblebrook [Incarnate Word]) each added nine points and two steals. Vaughn also grabbed eight rebounds, while Murray had six to go along with three assists.
- Allen Powell (Philadelphia, PA/La Salle College H.S.) chipped in with seven points and a team-high five assists.
- Ole Miss outshot Rider, 39.4 percent (26-66) to 30.2 percent (19-63) from the floor, including a 29.0 percent (9-31) to 15.4 percent (2-13) edge from long range.
- Rider took a 68.8 (11-16) to 60.9 percent (14-23) advantage from the free-throw line.
- The Broncs were outrebounded, 57-36, including a 20-11 discrepancy on the offensive glass.
- The Rebels' bench outscored Rider's, 31-5.