Chris Beard hoping to reimburse fans in attendance of Saturday's loss to Texas A&M

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•03/09/24•

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If Ole Miss was going to make the NCAA Tournament in Year One of Chris Beard, some work had to be done. Getting a win against Texas A&M in the regular season finale was the first step before moving on to the SEC Tournament in Nashville. Heading into the weekend, On3’s James Fletcher did not even have the Rebels on the bubble.

Having the chance of getting back onto the bubble may officially be done, though. Ole Miss was blown out by Texas A&M on Saturday in Oxford, losing by 26 points. A tough loss for the program, Beard expressed his embarrassment in a big way.

Beard wants to make sure fans who attended get their money back if the NCAA allows the move. He apologized for the performance and wants his actions to sync up with his words.

“I will check with (athletic director) Keith (Carter) on what the rules are but anyone who paid to watch this game today I’d like to reimburse them,” Beard said during his postgame press conference.

ESPN had an official attendance of over 7,800 people at the Pavillion, with a lively crowd on hand. Beard wanted to send the fanbase, which has been supportive throughout the entire year, home with one final victory.

Instead, the Ole Miss head coach could be cutting a nice check. Carter will have to make sure Beard giving out his own money would be allowed but if given the thumbs up, fans can be expecting a gift quite soon.

Ole Miss struggles down the stretch of 2023-2024 season

Heading into conference play, Ole Miss did not have a loss on their resume. While Beard scheduled a nonconference slate ranked No. 250 according to KenPom, excitement was around the program and you could feel the buzz.

Through eight SEC games, Ole Miss sported a 5-3 record and looked like they would have a chance at making the NCAA Tournament. However, the final 10 games have gone horribly. The Rebels won just two down the stretch and both of them were against Missouri — a team likely to finish winless in conference play.

Now, they are going to be on the outside in this postseason.

Ole Miss will have a chance at instant revenge against Texas A&M, likely facing them on Friday night in the SEC Tournament. Beard will be hoping for a better performance for any fans who make the drive from Oxford to Nashville.