Ole Miss basketball to return to Tad Smith Coliseum for throwback game in November
OXFORD — Ole Miss basketball is set to host Sam Houston State in the Tad Smith Coliseum on Nov. 17, the program announced on Friday afternoon.
It will be the Rebels' first game inside the "Tad Pad" since Dec. 22, 2015, when Ole Miss beat Troy in overtime. The Rebels played their first game inside the new SJB Pavilion on Jan. 7, 2016.
"It will be fun to bring back some nostalgic feelings for our longtime hoops fans, plus showcase the history of the building to some of our younger fans," Ole Miss AD Keith Carter said in a prepared statement.
The Rebels will also honer former coach Rob Evans and each of his Ole Miss teams at the throwback event. Evans won two SEC West titles with the Rebels and went 86-81 overall, cracking the NCAA Tournament twice in six seasons. He was named the SEC Coach of the Year in 1996-97.
In recognition of that, tickets for the game will cost $19.97. Ole Miss Athletics said it will not include tickets to this game in season ticket packages.
Sam Houston State could pose a challenge to the Rebels. The Bearkats went 26-8 on their way to a second-place finish in the WAC last season. They advanced to the second round of the NIT where they lost to North Texas, finishing 73rd in KenPom's ratings, while the Rebels finished 122nd.
Ole Miss has yet to reveal its full nonconference slate for its first season under Chis Beard.
FOOTBALL: Ole Miss football made one under-the-radar upgrade. It could be Lane Kiffin's difference maker
David Eckert covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at deckert@gannett.com or reach him on Twitter @davideckert98.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss basketball to play a November throwback game at the 'Tad Pad'
