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Ole Miss Rebels head coach Chris Beard wants more for his program this season than a simple road win at Alabama.

It was easy to overlook a hot start to Chris Beard's second season at Ole Miss for a couple of reasons. The Rebels also started with a bang in 2023-24, standing at 15-1 this time last year before going 5-11 and missing the NCAA Tournament.

Ole Miss basketball head coach Chris Beard wants more respect for his program after a historic win vs Alabama.

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.