Chris Beard has the Ole Miss Rebels in the thick of the Southeastern Conference standings. He credits what he learned from Bob Knight.

Ole Miss basketball almost accomplished something coach Chris Beard has chased his entire career. Assists and turnovers powered the Rebels vs Kentucky

"This is the SEC," Ole Miss coach Chris Beard said. "A two-game winning streak, it's free breakfast burritos in the morning. People want to throw you a parade. A two-game losing streak and you feel like the sun won't come up tomorrow."

Ole Miss finished just 7-11 in SEC play last season, had no wins over a ranked conference opponent, and lost both matchups with Auburn by 14 and 23 points, respectively. Auburn is an even stronger team this season, so for Beard and the Rebels to cut that deficit to only 10 points while keeping it close the majority of the game is impressive.

The Rebels picked up a 72-69 win against Texas to start last week. Senior guard Davon Barnes hit big free throws down the stretch to lift the Rebels to a late win. That win ended Ole Miss' three-game slide, but the Rebels failed to the win on Saturday. Ole Miss lost 92-82 to No. 1 Auburn. Despite the loss, Beard was optimistic after the game.

Ole Miss beat Texas in SEC play this college basketball season. Sean Pedulla and Dre Davis were key players in the Rebels' win for coach Chris Beard.

Dec 7, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard talks with guard Sean Pedulla (3) during the second half against the Lindenwood Lions at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Here's where Chris Beard's Ole Miss basketball team stands in the latest NCAA tournament bracket predictions after a loss to No. 1 Auburn

Ole Miss basketball coach Chris Beard took questions after his team's strong performance against the Kentucky Wildcats.