Ole Miss Rebels vs Tennessee Volunteers Picks and Predictions March 5th 2025

No. 4 Tennessee Rides Momentum of Buzzer-Beater Into Ole Miss

In a stacked SEC filled with marquee matchups, No. 4 Tennessee is riding the high of its most dramatic conference win of the season. Now, the Volunteers (24-5, 11-5 SEC) must avoid a letdown when they visit Ole Miss (20-9, 9-7 SEC) on Wednesday night in Oxford, Miss.

Tennessee Still Riding the ‘Mashack Miracle’

Tennessee’s 79-76 win over then-No. 6 Alabama on Saturday may go down as one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.

Down 76-72 with less than 30 seconds left, Jahmai Mashack took over.

• He sank two clutch free throws to tie the game.
• He forced a five-second violation on Alabama’s inbound attempt.
• He then drilled a 40-foot buzzer-beater, capping an unbelievable sequence.

“We know what we’re built for, we know who we are,” Mashack said. “This is what we’ve done every single day. Don’t question what it is. I don’t care if we’re down 20, I don’t care if we’re up 20. You stick to the program.”

Mashack finished with 11 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, helping the Volunteers set a program record with their eighth win over an AP-ranked opponent this season.

Balanced Offense Leading Tennessee’s Charge

While Mashack provided the heroics, Tennessee has been getting contributions across the board.

• Jordan Gainey (10.8 PPG) scored nine of his 18 points in the final 8:20 of the Alabama comeback.
• Chaz Lanier (17.8 PPG) continues to lead the Vols in scoring and added 18 points in the win.

With South Carolina looming on Saturday in their regular-season finale, the Vols must remain focused as they push for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Ole Miss Looking for Its Own Statement Win

Like Tennessee, Ole Miss is coming off a dramatic victory.

In an 87-84 home win over Oklahoma on Saturday, guard Sean Pedulla took over, scoring 26 points and hitting 5-of-9 from three, including the go-ahead shot with 18.3 seconds left.

Head coach Chris Beard has kept his team focused despite a recent three-game losing streak.

“This is the SEC. It’s an 18-round fight. You better have a short memory,” Beard said. “You win the game or you run out of time. Either way, you get back to work quickly.”

With a game at No. 5 Florida on Saturday before the SEC Tournament, Ole Miss sees these final two matchups as prime opportunities to improve their postseason standing.

“Must-win? Absolutely,” Beard said. “But it’s March. What win in March isn’t a must-win?”

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What’s at Stake?

• For Tennessee: A win keeps the Vols in the hunt for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a potential share of the SEC title.
• For Ole Miss: A victory over a top-five opponent would be a huge resume boost heading into the SEC Tournament.

With both teams coming off thrilling wins, expect an intense battle in Oxford as Tennessee tries to stay hot and Ole Miss looks to play spoiler.