Auburn Travels to Oxford to Face Ole Miss

The Ole Miss Rebels look to extend their win streak to four Saturday against the Auburn Tigers.

The Tigers are coming off of a dominating victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores Wednesday, winning 81-54.

Before the win, Auburn lost back-to-back games against Mississippi State and rival Alabama. Prior to those two losses, the Tigers were ranked eighth in the top 25. They’re now ranked No. 16.

Flashback

The Tigers and Rebels met on Jan. 20, and Auburn came out with an easy 82-59 win.

The Rebels only had one player eclipse double-digit points in the game, with Allen Flanigan scoring 10. On the other hand, the Tigers had three players score double-digits. Jaylin Williams and Johni Broome had 13, while Dylan Cardwell had 12.

HIS COURT pic.twitter.com/Y7cfysF6R9

— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 21, 2024

While Auburn had more fouls and almost as many turnovers as the Rebels, the Tigers still came away with 23-point victory. Moreover, the Rebels shot just 36.8% from the field.

Peace Love Auburn Basketball pic.twitter.com/7zEYY8GygN

— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 21, 2024

Keys to the Matchup

If the Rebels are going to get revenge on Auburn, they have to stay with them on the 3-point line. In their last matchup, the Tigers shot 44.4% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Rebels shot 23.5% from 3.

Additionally, Ole Miss needs to try and control the Tigers’ chances from the free-throw line. Auburn is very disciplined shooters from the charity stripe and only missed one free throw in the two teams’ last matchup.

With the paint presence from Jamarion Sharp, the Rebels need to utilize his size. Standing at 7-foot-5, Sharp recorded eight rebounds against Auburn. However, he only scored a total of six points.

Auburn walk-on Addarin Scott over Ole Miss big man, 7-foot-5 Jamarion Sharp #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/WtiF1f21Ni

— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) January 21, 2024

Stakes at Hand

Auburn has a gauntlet in front of them after this game. Going forward, the Tigers play No. 24 Alabama at home, Florida on the road, then South Carolina and 10th-ranked Kentucky at home.

The Tigers have a chance to take advantage of being on their home court after their matchup with Ole Miss. As for the Rebels, a win against a top 25 team would look strong on their resume for March.

The Rebels do not have it any easier. They’re on the road against two strong SEC teams in South Carolina and then Kentucky after Saturday’s game.

Tip-off is at 5 p.m.