Ole Miss basketball's Sean Pedulla, Malik Dia gave it everything in loss to Michigan State
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Should the NCAA transfer portal open before the end of March Madness?
Rick Pitino, John Calipari and even J.J. Watt sound off on the transfer portal opening during the NCAA Tournament.
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ATLANTA — The Ole Miss men's basketball team fell just short of its first Elite Eight appearance in school history.
Despite a 73-70 loss to Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on Friday, senior guard Sean Pedulla and junior forward Malik Dia had stellar evenings, pouring in 24 and 11 points, respectively.
Malik Dia stats vs. Michigan State
Dia was a force underneath the basket, punishing the interior and forcing Michigan State to step up on every shot. He sent State Farm Arena into a frenzy on the first play of the second half with a monster alley-oop. He finished 4-of-11 shooting, grabbed 4 boards and added a block
'We built something special here,' Dia said with tears in his eyes following the game. 'All of us being together, that's why I love this team. We set out a goal at the beginning of the year that we're just gonna do something special.'
Sean Pedulla stats, highlights vs. Michigan State
Pedulla shot 44% from behind the arc — accounting for nearly half of the Rebels' 3-pointers. He consistently stretched the floor, finding shooters on the wing on numerous occasions — including Dia from the top of the key at one point — and converted tough finishes in the paint.
Even so, the Rebels' push was not enough as Michigan State stormed back down the stretch, taking its first lead with less than 8 minutes remaining. Ole Miss finished at 33.3% from 3-point range after going 1-for-10 from the field in a second-half stretch.
Pedulla drilled a couple of 3-pointers to tie the score late, but it wasn't enough, as Michigan State sealed the game with free throws.
'We did everything we had to do,' Pedulla said. 'I wish I could have given more.'
Both players still have eligibility remaining, so Ole Miss could return two key starters for next season.
The Spartans will face the winner of top-seeded Auburn and fifth-seeded Michigan.
Andy Mathis is a student in the University of Georgia's Sports Media Certificate program.
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