Mississippi jumped in front of Southwest Missouri State from the start, and the Bears never led, as their season ended with a 70-48 loss in the second round of the NIT. Ole Miss scored the game’s first five points, and gradually pulled away from there. SMS shot just 45 percent from the free throw line. Eric Judd was the Bears’ high scorer with just 12 points. The Rebels have now won 35 straight non-conference games on their home floor. They advance to the NIT quarterfinals to face North Carolina State. SMS finishes the year 23-11, after winning eleven of its last 12.