In the midst of an unforgettable ice storm that has left thousands of Oxford and Lafayette county residents without power, the Rebel men’s basketball team was left in limbo until Thursday on what would happen to their scheduled home matchup against ranked Vanderbilt.
The answer provided was simple and understandable, to move this game to Nashville and play the later season matchup against the Commodores at home in Oxford.
After their hard fought loss to Kentucky a week ago, the Rebels enter this matchup hoping to rekindle who they were during their three-game conference win streak. The issues for the Rebels are not talent deficits or lack of skill, they just have not played a 40-minute game in any of their losses.
To win big on Saturday, Ole Miss has to guard the lane while minimizing fouls and not go extended stretches without scoring. Simple, right? With the assistance of my good friend Grok, we found over 50 two-minute or longer scoreless stretches for the Rebels this season. For Coach Beard and this team to keep playing basketball into late March, they have to find a consistent offensive rhythm.
Know the Foe
No. 18 Vanderbilt enters riding momentum after back-to-back blowouts: an 88-56 rout of Mississippi State and an 80-55 domination of Kentucky in Memorial Gym. Coach Mark Byington’s squad ranks among the SEC’s elite, boasting strong efficiency on both ends, elite three-point shooting, averaging 10.1 made threes per game, and a 10-1 home record.
Key contributors include sophomore G Tyler Tanner who runs the offense and contributes over 17 points per game, as well as seniors Duke Miles and Tyler Nickel who create a balanced attack that has the ability to overwhelm any opponent.
Vanderbilt leads the all-time series 80-49, having beaten Ole Miss in three of the last four. The Rebels are seeking to buck that trend in a venue where road wins have been scarce against the Commodores.
What To Watch
Contain the Perimeter
Vanderbilt’s ability to stretch defenses with volume threes could exploit Ole Miss’ vulnerabilities on the perimeter. The Rebels give up nearly 8 threes per game, keeping that number down will be critical to staying competitive.
Storr and Dia Lead the Charge
AJ Storr’s scoring will provide a spark, while senior Malik Dia continues his push toward milestones. Getting consistent production from the guards and frontcourt will be key against Vanderbilt’s length and athleticism.
Win in the Paint
Ole Miss has been outscored in the paint in its last two losses. Vanderbilt thrives in transition and second-chance opportunities; winning the rebounding battle and limiting easy baskets inside will help the Rebels hang around.
Notes
– The Rebels are 10-46 against Vanderbilt in Nashville
– Senior F Malik Dia needs just 5 points to have scored 600 over his Rebel career
– Head coach Chris Beard is 1-1 against the Dores during his Rebel tenure
