Rebels hit home stretch in Oxford
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
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10 comments
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Comments
Heading to Oxford in a few.
Can’t wait for the game. Go Rebs.
by Land Shark on Feb 6, 2010 10:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Greetings from Roll 'Bama Roll
Here’s a link to our extensive game preview:
http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2010/2/6/1297366/alabama-25-ole-miss-game-preview
I’ll be sure to post a link to your preview in the comments section under ours as well.
Reasonable comments are welcome under our game preview, especially any additional insight to Ole Miss players that we haven’t already covered.
One small request: if you do beat us tonight, please do it by more than 2 or 3 points. We couldn’t handle it otherwise. Thanks.
by Bama07 on Feb 6, 2010 10:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks baby
Y’all covered things pretty well. It was a ripping good read.
If I predict it, there's an 50 percent chance it happens.
by One Man To Beat on Feb 6, 2010 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm confused about our basketball team. Never can seem to get it under control in SEC play.
On an unrelated note: UK 42, LSU 14 at halftime. Goddamn.
by Thile on Feb 6, 2010 4:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Coaches have had multiple seasons to scout us...
They know our tendencies and weaknesses a whole lot better, which is why everyone plays zone against us. We have not figured how to beat a zone (passing, not dribbling until the clock runs down and throwing up a 30 footer). Not sure who deserves the blame for that. It also does not help that we rebound the ball so poorly….
by bball1984 on Feb 6, 2010 6:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed..
Very glad we won, and hopefully it will spark us the rest of the way this season. We won because we executed our zone offense well in the second half- passing and penetrating into the seams in the zone. Our defense was also a lot better. Still have some holes we need to figure out how to fill in, but this was a win to build on. Why are Graham’s minutes shrinking game after game?
by bball1984 on Feb 6, 2010 10:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great Game
54 second half points, wow! We need to press and play man more because that really seems to get us in the game mentally and makes us more aggressive on offense too. We had more focus than we have all year in the 2nd half. I’m hoping that AK will continue to man up and press other teams. Can we build on this? I sure hope so. A win at Starkville would be huge.
by fastbrk4 on Feb 7, 2010 5:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good things happen..
When you stop shooting threes and try to score two pointers. Ten foot jumpers and layups are as legal as any other shot, AK. Encourage your guys to do so more often.
by Land Shark on Feb 7, 2010 3:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

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