Tonight in College Station, Chris Beard and the Ole Miss Rebels return to Texas for a matchup that highlights two teams struggling to find their footing. The Texas A&M Aggies, with a record of 17-8 and 7-5 in the SEC, are looking to end a four-game losing streak that includes two blowouts and two narrow defeats by a combined four points. First-year head coach Bucky McMillian aims to guide his team back into the win column at home following a disappointing loss to Vanderbilt, where they fell 69-82.
On the other side, the Rebels sit at 11-14 overall and 3-9 in conference play, experiencing a significant downturn with seven consecutive losses, many of which have been by double digits. Ole Miss has struggled offensively, failing to score 80 points in over a month and surpassing 70 points only four times during conference play. They desperately need a victory; perhaps tonight could be the opportunity they seek against an Aggies team also grappling with its own challenges.
This game marks the 19th meeting between these two programs, with Texas A&M leading the series 13-5 and currently riding a three-game winning streak against Ole Miss. For the Rebels, this contest is more about salvaging pride than postseason aspirations. Conversely, despite their recent struggles, the Aggies still have a slim chance to keep their NCAA tournament hopes alive with a much-needed win tonight.
The Rebels will need to keep an eye on USC transfer Rashaun Agee, who leads five Aggies averaging double-digit scoring with 13.7 points per game. Additionally, former Spanish professional Ruben Dominguez and Kansas transfer Rylan Griffen both shoot over 40% from beyond the arc on high volume. Dynamic sixth man Pop Isaacs from Creighton poses another challenge off the bench.
The Rebels should definitely keep an eye on USC transfer Rashaun Agee, who is currently leading the Aggies with an impressive average of 13.7 points per game. Alongside him, former Spanish professional Ruben Dominguez and Kansas transfer Rylan Griffen are both threats from long range, each shooting over 40% from beyond the arc while taking plenty of shots. Additionally, dynamic sixth man Pop Isaacs from Creighton adds another layer of challenge off the bench.
Texas A&M boasts one of the nation’s top offenses, ranking ninth nationally with an average of 89.8 points per game. The Aggies have seen significant contributions from non-starters as well; they have recorded at least 30 bench points in 16 games this season, including their recent outing against Vanderbilt.
With Texas A&M’s potent offense facing off against Ole Miss’s defensive strengths, this matchup could provide an opportunity for the Rebels to find some rhythm to counter their offense. The Rebels enter as underdogs tonight by an 8.5-point margin; ESPN’s predictor is still locked on the Aggies, giving them only an 80.5% chance of victory over Ole Miss despite their inconsistent performances lately.
Tip-off is set for 8 PM CT at Reed Arena in College Station and will air live on the SEC Network.