The University of Mississippi’s men’s basketball team will open its season against Clemson on November 23, a game that headlines the Southwest Maui Invitational in Hawaii. Guard Sam Hutchens, a returning starter for Ole Miss, is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s early‑season strategy.
Tournament Details
The three‑day event, held at the Lahaina Civic Center, will also feature Arizona, BYU, Colorado State, Providence, VCU and Washington, giving the Rebels a chance to test themselves against a varied slate of opponents.
Historical Context
Clemson holds a 3‑2 edge in the all‑time series, but Ole Miss entered the 2025‑26 season without a NCAA Tournament appearance, while the Tigers earned an 8‑seed and fell 67‑61 to Iowa in the first round.
Tip‑off times and television designations will be announced later, but the matchup is already generating buzz as both coaches aim to fine‑tune their squads before conference play.
The tournament runs from November 23‑25, and Southern Cal captured the 2025 edition, setting a competitive tone for this year’s field.