OleMiss365.com’s Lee Ann Herring will be in Austin today for the Rebels’ big matchup with the Texas Longhorns. Catch all of her postgame coverage right here on OleMiss365.com...
It’s gameday, folks! The Ole Miss Rebels are hitting the road to take on the Texas Longhorns in what promises to be an electrifying matchup. With Texas favored by 9.5 points at home in Austin, the Rebels are eager to turn their fortunes around after four straight losses. Last season, they edged out the Longhorns 72-69 in Oxford, so they’ll be looking to replicate that success!
Recent Performance
The Rebels recently faced a tough defeat against Tennessee, falling 84-66. They were neck-and-neck at halftime but fell apart in the second half, allowing Tennessee to score a whopping 58 points. The Vols dominated the boards, out-rebounding Ole Miss 40-23 and capitalizing on turnovers and free throws.
Currently sitting at No. 12 in the SEC with a 3-6 conference record, Ole Miss has struggled with consistency. They average 74.2 points per game on 43.9% shooting but need to amp up their performance from beyond the arc (34.1%). Defensively, they allow 71.9 points per game and rank low in offensive efficiency.
Key Players to Watch
- AJ Storr: A standout for the Rebels, averaging 14.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.
- Malik Dia: Senior forward contributing 13.5 PPG and 6.3 RPG.
- Ilias Kamardine: Senior guard with an average of 11.0 PPG and 3.8 APG.
- Patton Pinkins: Freshman guard shooting an impressive 45.5% from three.
Texas Longhorns’ Edge
The Longhorns are riding high after a recent victory over South Carolina, winning 83-75 while showcasing their ability to dominate the glass and get to the foul line frequently. They’re currently ranked tenth in the SEC with a solid 5-5 conference record and score an impressive 85.5 points per game.
Key players for Texas include:
- Dailyn Swain: Leading scorer with 17.7 PPG on an efficient 57.7% shooting.
- Matas Vokietaitis: Towering center averaging 14.8 PPG and 6.7 RPG.
- Tramon Mark: Senior guard contributing significantly with 13.1 PPG.
- Jordan Pope: Another key player with a solid average of 12.5 PPG.
Game Strategy
For Ole Miss to have a fighting chance against this well-rounded Texas team, they must focus on:
- Limiting Rebounds: Texas excels at offensive rebounds; controlling the boards is crucial.
- Defensive Pressure: Ole Miss needs to use its top-50 near-proximity defense to disrupt Texas’s rhythm.
- Finding Scoring Balance: The Rebels can’t rely solely on mid-range shots; they need to find ways to score inside and get to the free-throw line more effectively.
Tip-off is set for 1 PM CT from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and you can catch all the action live on ESPN2! Let’s see if the Rebels can shake off their slump and make it a game!