Ole Miss basketball faces undefeated Iowa in Acrisure Classic semifinal, what could spell upset or dominance

Ole Miss basketball faces undefeated Iowa in a Acrisure Classic semifinal on November 25, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. Both teams enter at 5-0, but neither has played away from home until now.

Iowa’s Dominant Start to the Season

The Hawkeyes have won all five games by at least 19 points, displaying offensive firepower against Robert Morris, Western Illinois, Xavier, Southeast Missouri and Chicago State. Bennett Stirtz, a senior guard, leads the team at 17.6 points per game and distributes with 6.2 assists. Iowa’s versatility shows with 10 Hawkeyes averaging at least 5.8 points per game.

Iowa shoots 57.6% from the floor and 40.0% from three-point range. Alvaro Folgueiras, a transfer from Robert Morris, contributes 12.4 points per game while leading the team with 5.8 rebounds per contest. Coach Ben McCollum emphasized the importance of competing hard for the full 40 minutes against quality opposition.

Ole Miss Needs More Consistency Against Elite Competition

The Rebels remained undefeated after a 72-65 home victory over Austin Peay on November 18. Coach Chris Beard expressed concerns about consistency and discipline, specifically pointing to defensive lapses. Ole Miss allowed 17 offensive rebounds to Austin Peay while struggling with turnovers in that contest.

Ilias Kamardine has led Ole Miss with 15.8 points and 5.2 assists per game, scoring in double figures in all five games so far. The France native brings experience as a multi-faceted threat for the Rebels. Ole Miss’ schedule intensifies from this point forward with no remaining weak opponents on their slate this season.

Acrisure Classic Tournament Structure and Venue Details

What This Matchup Means for Both Teams Going Forward

Both coaches view this tournament as crucial preparation for conference play. Iowa enters with weapons across the roster and elite shooting efficiency that should test Ole Miss’s defense. The Rebels haven’t faced this level of sustained offensive firepower, making defensive rebounding and turnover control essential.

For Ole Miss, Beard’s squad faces what awaits in SEC conference competition. The Rebels must prove they belong among elite programs while playing their first true road contest. Iowa conversely faces a team similar in quality to what they’ll encounter in Big Ten play, providing valuable experience before the grind of conference season begins in December.

“I think you just want to show up and compete. That’s kind of always our thing—making sure we can play harder than our opponent. Ultimately that’s what wins games because you can come up with all the cool stuff you want, but if you don’t compete at a high level it really doesn’t matter.”

— Ben McCollum, Iowa Head Coach

Will Ole Miss Basketball Keep Its Perfect Record Against Iowa’s Onslaught?

The question looms whether Ole Miss can handle Iowa’s balanced attack while shooting better on the road than at home. Iowa has shown no weakness through five games, and the Hawkeyes control pace while excelling from distance. Ole Miss’s path to victory requires forcing turnovers early, controlling the glass, and capitalizing on any shooting nights where the Rebels catch fire offensively to keep pace.

Sources

• CBS Sports – Game preview and team statistical information
• Acrisure Arena Official – Tournament schedule and location details
• ESPN – Live scoring, game information, and broadcast details

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.