Opinion
3 min read

Can the Ole Miss Rebels Outmaneuver the Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena?

As the Ole Miss Rebels gear up to face the Missouri Tigers, fans are looking forward to what promises to be an electrifying encounter at Mizzou Arena. The Rebels, coming off a nail-biting victory against the Missouri Tigers on February 18th with a score of 79-76, have shown they can maintain composure under pressure and deliver results.


Mar 4, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; The Missouri Tigers cheerleaders perform against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

In that game, despite being outscored in points in the paint by 10 and committing more personal fouls (22 compared to Missouri's 20), MISS demonstrated superior three-point shooting with an impressive 52 percent from beyond the arc. This long-range proficiency was pivotal in their win and is likely to be a key factor again as they prepare for their next showdown.


The Rebels' ability to convert from downtown was complemented by their fast-break performance, where they outpaced MIZZ with 14 fast break points. Moreover, MISS showcased a balanced offensive effort with six players stealing balls and four blocking shots. Their defensive resilience will be crucial when facing a Tigers team that has proven its ability to score consistently.


Mar 4, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard James White (5) shoots a layup as Missouri Tigers guard D'Moi Hodge (5) looks on during the second half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

However, it's not just about offense for MISS; their defensive game has been equally impressive. In their recent match against Kentucky on February 14th, despite falling short at Rupp Arena with a final score of 63-75 against the Wildcats who were ranked number 22 at that time, Ole Miss managed an assist-turnover ratio of 1.27 and capitalized on turnovers by scoring 21 points off them.


Looking back further into their season performance provides even more reason for optimism among Rebel fans. On February 6th against South Carolina Gamecocks who held rank number 15 then, Ole Miss showed tenacity despite losing narrowly by three points (65-68). They excelled in field goal percentage (51 percent) and two-point shooting (53 percent), which could spell trouble for any defense trying not to foul while contesting shots inside.


Jan 24, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers guard/forward Kobe Brown (24) drives to the basket as Mississippi Rebels forward Jaemyn Brakefield (4) defends during the first half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

As we approach this upcoming clash on March second at seven thirty PM Central Time Zone between these two formidable opponents – one thing is clear: if Ole Miss can replicate its sharpshooting from deep while tightening up defensively around the rim – there's every chance they could leave Columbia victorious once more.


MISS fans eager not to miss any action should tune into channel six hundred eleven where SEC Network will broadcast this anticipated matchup nationally. With both teams looking strong but having shown vulnerabilities throughout this season so far – it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top when these conference rivals lock horns once again.

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