Ole Miss Rebels vs Texas A&m Aggies Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

No. 16 Ole Miss can’t afford slow start vs. No. 13 Texas A&M

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) showdown between No. 16 Ole Miss and No. 13 Texas A&M on Wednesday night in Oxford, Mississippi, promises high stakes as both teams look to solidify their positions in the conference standings. With Ole Miss eager to bounce back from a tough loss and Texas A&M building on a morale-boosting win, this game could have significant implications for the rest of their seasons.

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Ole Miss Seeks Redemption After SEC Loss

Ole Miss (15-3, 4-1 SEC) suffered its first SEC loss of the season in a dramatic 84-81 overtime defeat against Mississippi State. Despite a spirited comeback, a poor start doomed the Rebels, who were unable to recover fully.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve faced adversity,” said Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard. “But the start of the game was just unacceptable. You can’t dig a hole like that in the first eight minutes of a 40-minute game.”

The Rebounding Crisis

One glaring issue for Ole Miss has been its rebounding struggles. The Rebels rank last in the SEC in rebounding margin (-1.7), a weakness that Mississippi State exploited with a staggering 51-29 advantage. This included 19 offensive rebounds, which allowed Mississippi State to control the game’s tempo.

Forward Malik Dia, who had a standout 19-rebound performance against Alabama, managed just two rebounds against Mississippi State. Beard emphasized that rebounding must improve across the board, noting, “It’s not just Dia. Many of his teammates need to step up—it’s a team sport.”

If Ole Miss hopes to compete for a national title, addressing this critical area will be essential.

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Texas A&M Rides the Momentum of Taylor’s Return

Texas A&M (14-4, 3-2 SEC) enters the game on a high after a 68-57 victory over LSU. The return of star guard Wade Taylor IV after a three-game absence was pivotal. Taylor contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists in just 24 minutes, showcasing the impact of his presence both on and off the court.

Taylor’s Leadership Sparks the Aggies

“He has unbelievable talent with the ball and without the ball,” said Texas A&M head coach Buzz Williams. “But his greatest talents are his spirit and basketball IQ. He doesn’t just elevate his game—he lifts the entire team.”

Taylor’s ability to disrupt defenses and orchestrate plays makes him the engine of Texas A&M’s offense. Teammates like forward Solomon Washington recognize his influence, saying, “When he’s playing, teams have to change their defensive plans. It’s a big difference.”

Taylor’s return strengthens the Aggies’ push for an SEC title, but consistent performances from role players will be equally crucial.

Keys to the Matchup

1. Ole Miss Must Start Strong

The Rebels can’t afford another sluggish start. Against a team like Texas A&M, known for its disciplined play, falling behind early could spell disaster. Chris Beard’s squad will need to set the tone with aggressive play and high energy from tip-off.

2. Rebounding Battle

Rebounding will likely determine the outcome. If Ole Miss continues to struggle in this area, Texas A&M could dominate second-chance opportunities and control the pace. The Rebels need collective effort on the boards, especially from Malik Dia and the frontcourt.

3. Taylor’s Playmaking

For Texas A&M, Wade Taylor IV’s performance will be key. If he can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates while maintaining his defensive intensity, the Aggies could capitalize on Ole Miss’s weaknesses.

What’s at Stake

Both teams have a lot riding on this game. For Ole Miss, a victory would reinforce its status as a top contender in the SEC and erase the sting of its first conference loss. For Texas A&M, a win would solidify its momentum and position the Aggies as legitimate title threats.

“This is the kind of game that defines a season,” said Washington. “We’re ready for the challenge.”

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Predictions

If Ole Miss can overcome its rebounding issues and avoid a slow start, it has the firepower to edge past Texas A&M. However, the Aggies, buoyed by Taylor’s return, bring a balanced attack and strong defensive presence that could frustrate the Rebels. Expect a closely contested game where execution in the final minutes will likely determine the winner.

Final Thoughts

The clash between Ole Miss and Texas A&M highlights the intense competition of SEC basketball. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but only one will leave Oxford with a crucial win. For Ole Miss, the message is clear: no slow starts. For Texas A&M, Taylor’s leadership could make all the difference.