The Rebels were ranked as high as No. 16 before suffering a 87-70 loss to Memphis in the Mid-South Rivalry in December and have rebounded in a major way since then. Wins over Georgia, Arkansas and LSU have Ole Miss on the right foot in the beginning of the SEC slate, and forward Malik Dia has been a key component of this hot streak.

Ole Miss forward Malik Dia set his season and Ole Miss high in points against Arkansas. The Rebels' win was a building moment for him and Chris Beard.

Jan 8, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Ole Miss Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) celebrates after making a three point shot in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Ole Miss won 73-66. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images / Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

John Calipari still believes he has a good team, but Arkansas basketball isn't finding enough consistent production through two SEC losses.

LSU captured its first lead at 38-36 after back-to-back scores in the first 55 seconds after halftime by Dji Bailey and Carter. After LSU took a 43-39 lead, Arkansas went on an 11-0 run. The Tigers’ defense bent but never broke. Their best rim protector, Daimion Collins, helped uplift the team's home fans with explosive blocks.

Two games into SEC play, Ole Miss basketball has found a groove. The No. 22 Rebels (13-2, 2-0 SEC) are one of five teams that remain undefeated in SEC play. Ole Miss has beaten Georgia and Arkansas in part due to a lineup change and forward Malik Dia's emergence.