Ole Miss has looked impressive on the scoring end, but they take on a Georgia State team that has the players to pull off the mild upset.
TV schedule: Friday, Nov. 17 7:00 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Arena: The Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi
After what was a disappointing season in which they didn’t end up in the NCAA tournament, the Ole Miss Rebels (2-0) and Andy Kennedy come into the year with new drive and motivation. In wins against Louisiana Lafayette and Eastern Kentucky, the Rebels are averaging 90 ppg, and, unlike last year, this team seems to have more offensive weapons to work with.
The core of last year’s team returns in Terence Davis and Deandre Burnett. After leading the team in scoring last year, the junior guards have upped their scoring in the small season sample size. Davis leads the team with 18.5 ppg along with 6.5 rpg. The former Miami transfer guard chips in 17.0 ppg.
Out of the four players who’ve started out in double figures so far, the biggest surprise has been senior forward Marcanvis Hymon, who currently averages 10.0 ppg and 11.5 rpg. With Sebastian Saiz and his 15 and 11 numbers gone, Hymon has to step up to keep the rebound margin in Ole Miss’s favor.
They take on another Sun Belt team — one that can match the Rebels in size and athleticism at that — in Georgia State. The Panthers (2-0), led by Ron Hunter, have been near the top of the Sun Belt conference for the last several years and has a star sophomore in D’Marcus Simonds to lead the way. He hasn’t broken out in the first couple of games but dropped 30 in an exhibition against an intact Georgia Tech squad.
Joining him is Jeff Thomas, who led the team with 18 in their last game against Rice. The Sun Belt has already had a power conference upset with Georgia Southern beating Wake Forest. Will this be another upset?
Next: 3 takeaways in Kansas win over Kentucky
This will be the first true test for both teams, so we’re going to find out some things — especially how seriously Ole Miss will be this year. The Panthers are going to be a formidable opponent for the Rebels.
Prediction: Ole Miss 88 – Georgia State 83