OXFORD, Miss. – Devontae Shuler scored 20 points and sparked a decisive
first half run Friday as Ole MIssdefeated Arkansas State 71-43.

Shuler had a pair of three-point shots to highlight an early 18-3 run for
the Rebels (1-0), who led 39-19 at halftime. The Rebels led by as many as
29 points, the earliest at 50-21, on a pair of Shuler free throws with
13:54 left. KJ Buffen added 16 points and a game-high 9 rebounds.

Canberk Kus and J.J. Matthews had 10 points apiece and Marquis Eaton added
six rebounds and five assists for the Red Wolves (1-1). Arkansas State
shot 15 of 46 (32 percent) from the field, 6 of 19 (31 percent) from
3-point range and 7 of 12 (58 percent) from the free throw line.

Ole Miss shot 25 of 56 (45 percent), 8 of 26 (31 percent) from 3-point
range, including three from Shuler. The Rebels were 13 of 20 (65 percent)
from the free throw line and out rebounded the Red Wolves 40-28 while
forcing 23 turnovers.

BIG PICTURE
Arkansas State: The Red Wolves, after defeating Arkansas-Monticello at
home last week, did not play well in the road opener. Arkansas State had
16 turnovers and scored only three points during a pair of seven-minute
stretches in the first half.

Ole Miss: After a sluggish two minutes, the Rebels controlled the tempo
and had early scoring runs of 18-3, 10-0 and 16-6. Coach Kermit Davis
places a premium on athletic players that are active defensively and the
Rebels looked the part in the home opener.

UP NEXT
Arkansas State hosts VMI Thursday in the opener of the Red Wolves Classic.

Ole Miss hosts Norfolk State Tuesday in the second of a four-game home stand.