Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Ole Miss Rebels Picks and Predictions January 18th 2025

No. 21 Ole Miss and No. 15 Mississippi State Clash in Rivalry Showdown

The rivalry between No. 21 Ole Miss and No. 15 Mississippi State takes center stage on Saturday in Starkville, Miss., as two SEC powerhouses collide with plenty on the line. The Rebels aim to remain unbeaten in conference play, while the Bulldogs seek to snap a rare two-game skid.

Ole Miss: Rising to the Occasion

Ole Miss (15-2, 4-0 SEC) has proven it belongs among the SEC’s elite, with their latest statement victory coming in a 74-64 road upset of No. 4 Alabama. Head coach Chris Beard praised his team’s effort, emphasizing the significance of the win over a Final Four-caliber opponent.

“Our players believed that we could be successful in this game, and that’s what we did,” Beard said.

The Rebels’ performance against Alabama showcased their ability to dominate in key areas. Ole Miss held the Crimson Tide, the nation’s top-scoring team at 91.1 points per game, to a season-low 64 points. Additionally, they limited Alabama to just four offensive rebounds, far below its season average.

Malik Dia delivered a standout performance with 23 points and 19 rebounds, leading a balanced Ole Miss attack that featured five players in double figures. The Rebels’ depth and defensive intensity make them one of the SEC’s most formidable teams, alongside Auburn as the only other undefeated squad in conference play.

Mississippi State: Seeking Resilience

Mississippi State (14-3, 2-2 SEC) enters the game on shaky ground after consecutive losses to No. 6 Kentucky and No. 1 Auburn. The Bulldogs struggled against Auburn despite the absence of the Tigers’ leading scorer and rebounder, Johni Broome, trailing by double digits early and ultimately falling 88-66.

Head coach Chris Jans acknowledged the challenges of navigating the SEC schedule. “We’ll find out how resilient we are,” Jans said. “It comes down to staying connected and believing in each other and our style of play.”

Mississippi State hopes to have point guard Riley Kugel (9.6 points per game) back in the lineup after he missed the Auburn game due to an ankle injury. In his absence, freshman Dellquan Warren stepped in, but the Bulldogs struggled to find offensive rhythm.

Mississippi State’s defensive identity, however, remains a cornerstone. They’ll need to rediscover their tenacity on both ends of the court to counter Ole Miss’ momentum.

Key Matchups

Malik Dia vs. Mississippi State’s Defense: Dia’s dominance against Alabama underscores his ability to control the paint. Mississippi State must find a way to limit his impact on the boards and in scoring.

Rebounding Battle: Ole Miss exposed Alabama’s rebounding deficiencies, and a similar effort against Mississippi State could tip the scales. The Bulldogs need a strong presence on the glass to stay competitive.

Riley Kugel’s Potential Return: If Kugel is back, his scoring and playmaking could provide the spark Mississippi State needs to regain its footing.

Stakes for Both Teams

For Ole Miss, a win would solidify their position atop the SEC standings and further bolster their resume for March. Chris Beard’s team is building a case as a legitimate contender, and a rivalry win would only strengthen their confidence.

Mississippi State, on the other hand, faces a critical juncture. A third straight loss could shake their momentum and raise questions about their ability to contend in the conference. Saturday’s game offers a chance to reset and reestablish their identity.

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Conclusion

As Ole Miss and Mississippi State renew their rivalry, the stakes are high for both programs. The Rebels’ balanced attack and defensive intensity face off against a Bulldogs squad eager to bounce back at home. Will Ole Miss continue its SEC dominance, or can Mississippi State rediscover its resilience and protect its home court? Fans can expect a thrilling contest in Starkville.