Mississippi @ Missouri preview
Mizzou Arena
Last Meeting ( Feb 16, 2019 ) Missouri 65, Mississippi 75
Ole Miss has been one of the biggest surprises in the SEC this season, but its postseason prospects have a lot riding on Saturday’s game against host Missouri. The Rebels are in a three-way tie for sixth place in the conference standings and still could wind up seeded anywhere from fifth to ninth in next week’s SEC tournament depending on the outcome of Saturday’s contests.
Ole Miss was in position for a top-four seed and a double-bye before losing its last three games by a total of seven points. The Rebels still are considered a likely NCAA Tournament team, but they could solidify that standing with their 20th win on Saturday, which also would improve their seeding and chances of advancement in the conference tournament. The Tigers don’t have as much on the line Saturday, although they could move up from 12th to 11th with a win and a loss by Texas A&M at Mississippi State. Missouri has righted the ship following a four-game skid, winning two straight for the first time since December.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network
ABOUT OLE MISS (19-11, 9-8 SEC): The Rebels have overachieved in their first season under coach Kermit Davis, who has benefited from an experienced and talented backcourt. Guards Breein Tyree (18.4 points) and Terence Davis (15.8, 5.9 rebounds) are the highest-scoring duo in the SEC, averaging 35 points in conference play, and Devontae Shuler (9.8 points) gives the Rebels solid guard play at both ends of the floor. If the Rebels have a weakness, it’s inside, although Bruce Stevens (8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds) had a strong performance in the first meeting with Missouri with 17 points.
ABOUT MISSOURI (14-15, 5-12): The Tigers are coming off an impressive defensive performance in a 64-39 win at Georgia on Wednesday. Jordan Geist (14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds) has been the Tigers’ most reliable scorer, but Jeremiah Tilmon (10.4, 5.9) has put up big numbers when he avoids foul trouble. Freshman Torrence Watson (6.5 points) has stepped up to fill the hole left by 3-point specialist Mark Smith’s season-ending injury, averaging 16.3 points while shooting 46.5 percent from beyond the arc over his last three games.
TIP-INS
1. Ole Miss has won 10 of the last 11 meetings, including a 75-65 home victory on Feb. 16.
2. The Rebels lead the SEC and rank fifth nationally in free-throw percentage (78).
3. Missouri has outrebounded seven consecutive opponents, including a plus-22 margin at Georgia on Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Ole Miss 72, Missouri 69