Louisiana Lafayette at Ole Miss
KenPom: Ole Miss 52, UL Lafayette 108
TR: Ole Miss 48, UL Lafayette 97
SI: Ole Miss 53, UL Lafayette 107
CBS: Ole Miss 88, UL Lafayette 187
ESPN: Ole Miss 59, UL Lafayette 113
Ole Miss has one of the deepest and most talented backcourts in the SEC. Starters Terrence Davis, DeAndre Burnett, and Breein Tyree have returned from last season and newcomers Markel Crawford and Devonte Shuler will join them in a loaded rotation. Star big man Sebastian Saiz has graduated, but JUCO standout Bruce Stevens and Drake transfer Dominik Olejniczak are capable of filling the void.
The Rebels will be tested by the veteran Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns who return 7 of their top 8 scorers and add multiple high major transfers. Frank Bartley IV is their leading returning scorer (15.3 ppg) and playmaker (2. 6apg), but their best player is double-double machine Bryce Washington. Despite being undersized at 6’6’’, Washington averaged 13.5 ppg and 11.2 rpg as a junior.
Louisiana Lafayette has also added three talented high major transfers to add to their already deep roster. Marcus Stroman (South Carolina), Jakeenan Gant (Missouri), and Malik Marquetti (USC) will all make an impact for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
The unproven Ole Miss frontcourt will have their hands full with Washington and Gant, but their backcourt should have an advantage. Expect a high scoring and fast paced game with a narrow Ole Miss win.
Upset alert: Moderate