Mississippi guard Stefan Moody attempts to block a shot in a game earlier this season. FILE PHOTO: PAYTON TEFFNER
Tonight’s matchup between Ole Miss (14-7, 5-3 SEC) and Texas A&M (15-5, 6-2 SEC) could determine second place in the conference. The Rebels are currently tied with five other teams for third place in the SEC, while they all trail the Aggies by one game.
ESPN “bracketologist” Joe Lunardi currently has both of these teams in the NCAA Tournament. Needless to say, this game will be evaluated greatly once March Madness time comes. Coming into this matchup, the Rebels are winners of their last three conference games, which is their largest SEC winning streak of the season.
On the other hand, Texas A&M has won six straight SEC games in impressive fashion. The Aggies are currently in good shape to make the big dance as their RPI is 33, while the Rebels’ RPI is 48. Both of these teams gave top ranked Kentucky their hardest test of the season as both Kentucky had to win it in overtime over Ole Miss and two overtimes against Texas A&M.
Judging by the latest statistics, the Rebels have an advantage as they lead the SEC in scoring in conference games at 75 points per game. Ole Miss also leads the nation in free throw percentage at 80.1 percent. The entire SEC will be watching this game as one of these two teams will emerge. So far, the SEC has six teams in the top 50 RPI, which tops all conferences. Furthermore, Ole Miss and Texas A&M is a matchup that you don’t want to miss and is a must win for the Rebels.
Impact Player Ole Miss:
Anthony Perez
Junior shooting guard Danuel House is a bad man on the court. House lights up the Aggies offense as he is playing consistent basketball, scoring in double figures in his last seven SEC games. Ole Miss must watch out for House because he is a threat from long range. In the win over Auburn last week, House made 6-of-7 shots from beyond the arc. On the season, House is shooting around 40 percent from three, and he must be contained on the wing. House has potential to go off for a big scoring night in this game where the stakes are high.
Impact Player Texas A&M: Danuel House
Junior shooting guard Danuel House is a bad man on the court. House lights up the Aggies offense as he is playing consistent basketball, scoring in double figures in his last seven SEC games. Ole Miss must watch out for House because he is a threat from long range. In the win over Auburn last week, House made 6-of-7 shots from beyond the arc. On the season, House is shooting around 40 percent from three, and he must be contained on the wing. House has potential to go off for a big scoring night in this game where the stakes are high.
Tad Smith Coliseum
6:00 p.m. C.T.
TV: SEC Network
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