Jan 8, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Ole Miss Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) celebrates in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Ole Miss won 73-66. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images / Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Column: Ole Miss forward Malik Dia has emerged as one of the SEC's best players as the Rebels garner national attention for a white hot start to conference play.

Malik Dia set season highs with 23 points and 19 rebounds, and No. 21 Ole Miss' stifling defense led to a 74-64 win over No. 4 Alabama on Tuesday in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Alabama basketball entered Tuesday’s matchup with Ole Miss flying high off a road SEC win at Texas A&M. When the night at Coleman Coliseum ended, the Crimson Tide had lost 74-64, and what is allegedly one of the top teams in college basketball had some serious questions.

No. 4 Alabama men's basketball fell to No. 21 Ole Miss 74-64 at home in Coleman Coliseum on Tuesday evening. The victory for the Rebels was the first in program history against a top-5 opponent on the road.

Alabama basketball turnovers piled up and led to low-effort loss to Ole Miss, Tide's first defeat in conference play.