More photos » Rogelio V. Solis - AP

about 1 month ago: Mississippi guard Terrico White (24) drives upcourt against a South Carolina defender during the first half of their NCAA college basketball game in Oxford, Miss., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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There's only eight games remaining the regular season for the Ole Miss Rebel basketball team.

The expected and unexpected has the Rebels just under where most fans thought they would be at this point. Ole Miss(16-6, 4-4) is looking to avoid its first three game losing streak since last season in SEC January play.

Taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide at home has not always been an easy task, however, especially when on the slide. The Rebels have also already dropped two SEC games at home this season, though Andy Kennedy boasts a 53-9 record in Oxford during his tenure.

Alright, so here's how I see it. The Rebels have five home games left and three road trips to Arky, 'Bama and State. The home wins, at this point, are pretty much "must-wins" if the Rebels want to make it to the Big Dance. This would boost our record above 20 wins and above .500 in the SEC. 

That, plus a road win or a couple wins at the SEC Tourney, should be enough considering our fantastic early season play and time spent in the national polls. But it all starts today against 'Bama.

If you ever REALLY needed to get to a basketball game early, today is the day. The #17 Ole Miss Rebel baseball team will be there signing autographs, and preseason All-American Drew Pomeranz may have a John Hancock worth some dolla billz one day (gotta git dat).

'Bama is also on a two-game skid in the SEC, dropping one-point matches to Florida and Auburn. The 3-5 SEC record is bolstered by two wins over LSU(who recently announced their men's basketball team has been playing with two mannequins on defense).

The Crimson Tide are 1-7 against RPI Top 50 teams this season with the only win coming very early in the season against Baylor.. If 'Bama is serious about a chance for the tournament, they'll have a tough row to hoe. Four of its next five games are on the road, including trips to Ole Miss, Kentucky and Mississippi State.

ROW. TAHDE. ON DAT AYUSS. 

The Tide are led by JaMychal Green and Mikhail Torrance who combine for roughly 30 points per game. Stop them, and we probably win this game. 

There will be an interesting blend of offensive strategies on the court this afternoon. The Rebels will want to push the tempo and get in transition for easy baskets while 'Bama will try to keep things in the half-court sets where they know how to operate. 

Here's a few notes of good news:

1.) Bama has the 10th best offense in the SEC. The Rebels rank 2nd.

2.) Bama has the worst offensive and defensive rebounding in the SEC. The Rebels are 3rd best in both categories, surprised? Yeah, me too.

3.) Ole Miss has won 9 of the last 12 meetings against 'Bama in Oxford. 

Also, THE GAME IS ON FSSOUTH AT 5 PM THE GAME IS ON FSSOUTH AT 5 PM THE GAME IS ON FSSOUTH AT 5 PM THE GAME IS ON FSSOUTH AT 5 PM THE GAME IS ON FSSOUTH AT 5 PM THE GAME IS ON FSSOUTH AT 5 PM THE GAME IS ON FSSOUTH AT 5 PM THE GAME IS ON FSSOUTH AT 5 PM THE GAME IS ON FSSOUTH AT 5 PM.

Okay, I think all the bases are covered. It seems like Kennedy wants Terrico White to take the reins of this team when Chris Warren is struggling. The Rebels need his ability to pull up from just about anywhere on the court.

Murphy Holloway has really emerged lately, and I expect him and Terrance Henry to have one of their better games of the season today. The new found ability to rebound should make for a few second-chance opportunities to grind out some baskets.

FINAL PREDICTION

Ole Miss 76

Alabama 69