Ole Miss basketball is headlining March Madness with another massive upset as the underdogs against Georgia.
Oxford had written off Chris Beard’s squad, but after stifling the Bulldogs 76-72, the Rebels just proved they’re the most dangerous ticket in the SEC. Coming in with the biggest chip on their shoulder, Beard gave Oxford a reason to believe in bringing home the Big Dance.
Chris Beard's laid-back attitude was exactly what Ole Miss needed
However, the detail that everyone is overlooking is the most interesting part of Ole Miss's win. While everyone is checking the scoreboard, the biggest needle-mover in this win was the Rebels' prep sessions. Or, better, the lack thereof.
What Beard said when asked about their preparation for Georgia sounded like he was reading off their vacation itinerary, instead of describing a day in the SEC Tournament.
"We have a process we believe in. First we’ll hydrate before leaving the building, then get back, eat a good meal, and get the guys off their feet for a couple hours. We encourage them to turn off their phones and just enjoy March — maybe watch some games on TV," Beard said in his post-game presser after their first upset win over Texas.
"Later tonight we’ll introduce Georgia. Rest is more important than extra practice hours right now. That approach has worked for us before," Beard added.
Rest assured, the approach didn't fail them this time either.
"I’m trying not to think that way right now. My focus is that we get to play tomorrow," Beard added, repeating wjhat he has been saying from the time Ole Miss hit their absolute rock-bottom.
His "survive-and-attack" mantra turned out to be the one that has kept an almost hopeless Ole Miss still alive in the tourney.
Alabama would be the next one putting it to test on March 13.