Ole Miss Rebels Set for Showdown Against Georgia Bulldogs

News Summary

The Ole Miss Rebels are all set to take on the Georgia Bulldogs in a highly anticipated SEC basketball matchup on January 3, 2025. As the Rebels aim for a strong start to their conference campaign, they bring a solid 11-2 record into the game. Meanwhile, Georgia, boasting a remarkable 12-1 record, poses a significant challenge. Fans can catch the action at SJB Pavilion, broadcasted on the SEC Network. Both teams are eager to begin the season on a high note, making this clash one not to miss.

Oxford Gears Up for Highly Anticipated SEC Showdown Against Georgia

Excitement is buzzing in Oxford, Mississippi, as the Ole Miss Rebels prepare to kick off their Southeastern Conference (SEC) basketball journey this January. The Rebels are set to face the formidable Georgia Bulldogs on January 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. CT. This highly awaited matchup will unfold at the SJB Pavilion and will be available for fans on the SEC Network, with coverage on the Ole Miss Radio Network as well.

This year, SEC men’s basketball is making waves, boasting an astonishing 89% win rate over 208 games played so far. That’s right, folks! Out of all the conference action, five SEC teams have earned their way into the top rankings according to the USA Today Coaches Poll. With a whopping twelve teams projected to make it to the NCAA Tournament, it’s safe to say that the competition is fierce.

Ole Miss Rebels: Rising from Last Year’s Setback

The #23 Ole Miss Rebels currently hold an impressive 11-2 record and are determined to start their SEC campaign on a high note. Last season was a tough road for the Rebels, finishing with a disappointing 7-11 record in conference play. They dropped eight of their last ten games, leaving fans yearning for a comeback this time around.

With the head coach, Ole Miss is optimistic as it enters this new season, describing the SEC schedule as an “18-round fight.” The team’s focus is to improve critical aspects of their game, particularly rebounding performance after being out-rebounded in their recent face-off against Memphis. Despite some challenges, the Rebels shine in limiting turnovers, ranking 7th in the nation with an impressive average of only 9.0 turnovers per game. They’ve also managed to force 16.4 turnovers, placing them 18th in the country.

The Bulldogs: A Rising Challenge

The Georgia Bulldogs are not making it easy for Ole Miss, as they waltz into this matchup with a stellar 12-1 record and an equally clean slate in SEC play at 0-0. Under the direction of head coach Mike White, a former Ole Miss player and assistant coach, Georgia has already secured seven consecutive victories, showcasing their ability to win close games with three decided by less than ten points.

Georgia’s offense is as balanced as they come, featuring nine players who have collectively hit a total of 57 double-digit scoring games. Among them, true freshman and five-star prospect Asa Newell is leading the charge with an average of 15 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. But that’s not all; the Bulldogs are making headlines on the court, boasting the highest percentage of made fields goals from dunks in the nation at 19.7%.

Statistical Showdown

As both teams prepare for this engaging matchup, their statistics reveal why fans should expect a thrilling contest. Ole Miss stands at No. 38 in the NCAA NET rankings while Georgia is close behind at No. 28. Notably, Ole Miss has a 2-2 record against Quad 1 teams, whereas Georgia is at 1-1 for the same category.

Georgia also ranks impressively in several key statistics, placing 5th in blocks with an average of 6.0 per game. They hold 12th in field goal percentage at .507 and share the 18th spot for scoring margin with an impressive +18.5. For their part, the Rebels have a remarkable turnover margin of +7.4, among the best in the NCAA.

The Road Ahead

As the Rebels and Bulldogs prepare for their much-anticipated clash, fans on both sides are gearing up for what promises to be a fantastic start to the SEC schedule. The energy in Oxford is palpable, and basketball enthusiasts are eager to see how Ole Miss seeks to avenge last year’s struggles and break through the fierce competition the SEC has to offer.

So mark your calendars and settle in for some exciting college basketball action — January 3rd is a date you won’t want to miss!