Chris Beard proved at Texas Tech that he can build a national contender at a school without much of an NCAA Tournament history. Now he’s doing the same at Mississippi. Ole Miss (24-11) is in the Sweet 16 for just the second time ever — and first time since 2001 — after defeating North Carolina and trouncing Iowa State in the first two rounds of

Ole Miss has played inspired basketball through the first two games of the NCAA tournament and reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2001. The Rebels have a chance to continue their magical run by knocking off Michigan State on Friday night.

The Ole Miss men's basketball team is still dancing in the NCAA Tournament with second-year head coach Chris Beard. The Rebels enjoyed dominant wins against the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Iowa State Cyclones in the first two rounds, leading by 22 and 26 at one point in those games, respectively.