Ole Miss Rebels vs Oklahoma Sooners Picks and Predictions March 1st 2025

Slumping Ole Miss Tries to Tighten Defense vs. Oklahoma

After suffering their third straight loss, Ole Miss will be looking to shore up its defense on Saturday when it hosts SEC rival Oklahoma in Oxford, Miss.

Ole Miss Seeking Defensive Answers

The Rebels (19-9, 8-7 SEC) are coming off their worst defensive performance under second-year coach Chris Beard, a 106-76 blowout loss at No. 1 Auburn on Wednesday. Ole Miss allowed the Tigers to shoot 52.4% from the field, including 11-of-21 from beyond the arc.

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“Just nonexistent defense from Ole Miss,” Beard said. “It’s not just the players. It’s everybody in the program.”

Defense has been an issue throughout February for the Rebels. While they allow an average of 70.5 points per game, they surrendered 80 or more points four times last month, including home losses to Auburn and Mississippi State. However, their offense remains a bright spot, as six players average double figures, led by Sean Pedulla’s 14.8 points per game.

Oklahoma Hoping to Rebound from Tough Loss

While the Rebels seek their 20th win, the Sooners (17-11, 4-11 SEC) are trying to keep their postseason hopes alive. Their 83-82 home loss to No. 17 Kentucky on Wednesday was a missed opportunity, as they let a late lead slip away.

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Despite shooting 52.6% from the field and holding a 34-31 rebounding edge, Oklahoma couldn’t hold on. To make matters worse, former Sooner Otega Oweh scored a game-high 28 points and hit the game-winning shot with six seconds left.

“You’ve got to tip your hats off,” Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. “I thought Kentucky, and then I thought Otega, made some just absolute huge plays down the stretch.”

Oklahoma is led offensively by Jalon Moore, who averages 17.1 points per game, while freshman Jeremiah Fears contributes 16 points per contest.

First SEC Meeting Between the Teams

Oklahoma leads the all-time series 3-2, but this will be the first time these programs meet as SEC rivals. With both teams fighting for positioning, expect an intense battle in Oxford.

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