24. Mississippi (15-5)
Every week in the SEC is a battle and Ole Miss certainly knows that already. The Rebels had another great run through nonconference play, much like last season, but Chris Beard’s team isn’t faltering now that the schedule has gotten tougher. They won their first four league games, including a tough one at Alabama just over a week ago, though sometimes the pendulum swings the other way.
It was a week to forget for the Rebels, first dropping a close one 63-62 against Texas A&M thanks to some late heroics form the Aggies. Sean Pedulla had 16 points while Jaemyn Brakefield added 10 points and 8 rebounds, but the Rebels lost at home for the first time this season. Saturday wasn’t any kinder, as a tough week got worse with an 83-75 road loss against Missouri. Malik Dia had 17 points and 8 rebounds and the starters all played well, but 48% from the field wasn’t enough thanks to a tough effort from Missouri.
Now losers of three straight games, the Rebels are clearly trending in the opposite direction and won’t find themselves nationally ranked for long if this trend continues. However, all three games have come against ranked opponents and they’ve been in nearly every game they’ve played this season. There’s considerable worry but still potential for this lineup, especially if they can upend Texas, Auburn, and/or Kentucky during this upcoming 3-game homestand.