Story perspectives

Ole Miss Upsets Alabama, Advances to SEC Semifinals

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ole Miss, the 15-seed, upset 2-seed Alabama 80-79 in Nashville to reach the SEC Tournament semifinals against Arkansas.
AJ Storr led Ole Miss with 17 points; Ilias Kamardine added 16, including late baskets.
Alabama rallied from a 13-point deficit behind Labaron Philon's 28 points.
The Rebels had lost 12 of 13 games, and Kamardine said the team is determined to keep winning.

History

Historical Context

The 1985 NCAA Tournament culminated in a historic upset when the eighth-seeded Villanova Wildcats defeated the top-seeded Georgetown Hoyas 66–64 on April 1, 1985. Villanova's remarkable shooting performance, hitting 78.6% of their shots, showcased the unpredictability of March Madness. This victory marked Villanova's first national championship and remains the lowest seed to win the tournament, altering perceptions of underdog potential in college basketball.

1 of 2

Story summary

Ole Miss, the 15-seed, upset 2-seed Alabama 80-79 in Nashville to reach the SEC Tournament semifinals against Arkansas.
AJ Storr led Ole Miss with 17 points; Ilias Kamardine added 16, including late baskets.
Alabama rallied from a 13-point deficit behind Labaron Philon's 28 points.
The Rebels had lost 12 of 13 games, and Kamardine said the team is determined to keep winning.

1 / 2