The Missouri Tigers are set to face the Ole Miss Rebels in an SEC matchup on Saturday evening. The game will take place at 5 p.m. CT in Oxford, Mississippi, and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
Missouri’s Current Form
Missouri comes into this game with a strong start to their SEC season, boasting a record of 2-0. They recently secured impressive victories against the reigning national champions, Florida, and the University of Kentucky, marking their first win at Rupp Arena after ten attempts. With a season record of 12-3, the Tigers are looking to extend their winning streak to three games.
Ole Miss Struggles
In contrast, Ole Miss is struggling in the current season. The Rebels hold a record of 8-7 and have not won any games in SEC play, starting with losses to Oklahoma and Arkansas. Under the leadership of head coach Chris Beard, the team aims to improve its performance after a stretch of consecutive losses.
Coaching Insights
- Chris Beard emphasized the need for his team to play at a faster pace. After a close game against Arkansas, Beard noted that his team had not played with this level of aggressiveness for some time.
- The Rebels have struggled with rebounding, ranking in the bottom half of the nation in both offensive and defensive rebounding rates.
Key Matchup Insights
The main disparity between the two teams lies in their scoring within the paint. Missouri averages over 45 points per game in the paint, significantly outpacing Ole Miss, which ranks last in the SEC for paint points.
Ole Miss’s Strengths and Weaknesses
- In their eight victories, Ole Miss has shown balanced performance, ranking in the 45th to 55th percentile in various statistical categories.
- However, their 2-point and 3-point shooting percentages place them in the lower half, indicating a need for improved shot selection and execution.
Player to Watch
Ilias Kamardine will be crucial for Ole Miss in this matchup. The combo guard leads the team in assists and steals and averages 11.3 points per game. However, he is also prone to turnovers, making his performance a potential turning point in the game.
Score Prediction
Experts predict that Missouri will outpace Ole Miss, forecasting a score of 75-66 in favor of the Tigers. As Missouri seeks to maintain its winning momentum, Ole Miss will need to show significant improvement to change the season’s trajectory.
