On Tuesday, the Ole Miss men’s basketball team put together a performance that many had been waiting for since SEC play began. The Rebels dominated Mississippi State, winning by the final score of 88-61. Ahead of today’s game against Vanderbilt, the Rebels have a chance to capitalize on the momentous win to make a late-season push toward the postseason.
The Rebels were able to spread the floor, and attack from all areas with four Rebels scoring in double figures. Terrence Davis scored 18 points followed by Sebastian Saiz with 17 points, who added 11 rebounds. Rasheed Brooks played in his second game after suffering a seizure against Tennessee. Brooks gave the Rebels 15 points, and Deandre Burnett looks like he’s back to 100 percent after returning from his ankle injury. Burnett scored 16 points, showing that this offense has multiple weapons that can cause problems for an opposing defense.
Against both Baylor and Texas A&M, the Rebels were out-rebounded, and it was clearly a focus for Andy Kennedy against Mississippi State. The Rebels had a 43-30 advantage on the boards, including 15 offensive rebounds leading to 22-second chance points. The Commodores average 35 rebounds per game to Ole Miss’ 38, so the Rebels will be challenged at the basket.
The Commodores sit at 11-11 overall and 4-5 in the conference. Matthew Fisher-Davis lead the team in scoring with 15.7 PPG. The Commodores come in with some momentum of their own, having won their last two games.
The pitfall for the Rebels must not become the effort level on the road. Mississippi State obviously brought the rivalry game atmosphere and energy to Ole Miss, so it’s up to the players and coaches to treat each game like it’s a rivalry game. At this point of the season, the Rebels can’t afford any let downs sitting at 13-9 overall and 4-5 in the SEC.
Tip-off in Nashville is at 2 p.m. with the broadcast on ESPNU. The Ole Miss Radio Network and OleMissSports.com will have the call as well.
Steven Gagliano is a writer for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at steven.gagliano@hottytoddy.com.
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