Ole Miss Men’s Basketball Seeking Win Over Gamecocks in Season Finale Saturday

OXFORD, Miss. — The Ole Miss men’s basketball team is set to host the South Carolina Gamecocks at home in the season finale today. The game will tip off at noon CT as the Rebels look for a final win to close the season out with.

ON THE AIR

Television: SEC Network
Play-by-Play: Mike Morgan
Analyst: Rodney Terry

OLE MISS RADIO

Radio: Ole Miss Radio Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Darby
Analyst: Murphy Holloway

Where they stand

Ole Miss seemingly found the spark it needed when it went into Auburn and secured its first victory since mid-January, effectively ending its 10-game losing streak. However, the Rebels’ momentum was quickly dispelled when they faced the No. 24-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores at home on Tuesday, losing 89-86 in overtime. The loss fit a trend of Ole Miss keeping games close but ultimately succumbing to opponents in the late stages, as in the 106-99 double-overtime loss to LSU on Feb. 25. After the loss to the Commodores, Ole Miss now holds a 4-13 record in conference play, which keeps them at No. 14 in the SEC. However, the Rebels are tied with South Carolina for the worst overall record in the conference, at 12-18 on the season.

The Gamecocks are currently on a three-game losing streak, which is just a small piece of their season-long story. South Carolina has not had very many high moments this season and is 3-17 over its last 20 games. It has struggled to accumulate wins, especially when away from home, which it will be for its matchup with the Rebels. With a 3-14 record in conference play, the Gamecocks currently sit in last place. They last beat Mississippi State 97-89 on Feb. 21.

Scouting the Gamecocks

South Carolina has struggled in its fourth season under Lamont Paris, which isn’t unusual. The Gamecocks got their season off to a decent start, winning their first four against low-tier schools before more losses than wins began to pile up. Southern Miss or Radford is arguably their best non-conference win of the season. Meanwhile, in the SEC, South Carolina has only managed to compile wins against LSU, Oklahoma and the Bulldogs. Scoring an average of 75 points per game is a major contributing factor to the Gamecocks’ struggles this season. Overall, KenPom ranks South Carolina No. 98 in the country. Their offensive efficiency is ranked No. 113, while defensive efficiency sits at No. 95. Their non-conference schedule is also ranked No. 355.

Despite the Gamecocks’ offensive issues, they still have four players averaging double-digit points per game, with guard Meechie Johnson leading the way with 17.3. Guards Mike Sharavjamts, Kobe Knox and forward Elijah Strong follow 10.8, 10.5 and 10.2 points per game, respectively. Sharavjamts leads the team in rebounds, typically securing about 5.4 per game. Johnson leads the team from behind the arc as well, shooting 33% with 54 made three-pointers on the season.

South Carolina’s Notable NCAA Team Statistical Rankings:

– Free throw percentage: 78.6, 8th
– Fewest turnovers per game, 9.8, 35th
– Free throws made per game, 16.9, 63rd
– Three-point-percentage defense, 31.9, 75th
– Three-point attempts per game, 25.5, 99th

Keys to the game

1. Control the tempo, start fast: South Carolina tends to play a bit more of a slow-paced game, something that the Rebels haven’t experienced too much recently. The Rebels will need to use this to their advantage by getting the game off to a quick start by aggressively driving the ball, and setting the tone and pace early. Ole Miss will still need to take smart shots, but catching the Gamecocks off-rhythm while drawing some fouls and free throws early would certainly make a statement.

2. Play good hustle ball: One category Ole Miss will need to ensure it doesn’t lose or fall behind in is intensity. Hustle plays win games, and that’s exactly what the Rebels will need from everyone on the court. Fast and physical defense, rebounds on both sides of the court and hustle for loose balls are all factors that will contribute to success.

3. Avoid giving up free points: Whether it be through fouls or free throws, the Rebels will need to make sure that they don’t let the Gamecocks get any free points or extra possessions. Free throws, at any point in the game, always make a difference when the game is coming to a close, and so do rebounds. Ole Miss can’t let South Carolina get many second-chance points by allowing the Gamecocks to acquire offensive rebounds. If that does happen, and the Rebels do get a little too handsy at times, and foul, then they’ll just be lowering their odds of finishing their season off with a win at home.

Why this game matters

This is the final game of the regular season, and it’s being played at home in front of the fans; there’s no doubt that this game matters. Although postseason implications may not be entirely at play now, this game will have plenty of effects on the locker room, the staff, recruiting and especially, the SEC Tournament in Nashville next week.

The Rebels have shown all season that they’re capable of competing with the best, and not just competing, but winning. The issue has been consistency, though. Ole Miss has been unable to sustain a high level of play for prolonged periods. But fans have seen that all it takes is one game to get going. Had Ole Miss pulled out the win over a ranked Vanderbilt a bit earlier in the week, then this may be a bit of a different conversation. They didn’t, but that’s not to say that they can’t do something similar, something better, next week in Nashville. If Ole Miss can get hot, the potential for a nice run is there.

Game info

• Matchup: South Carolina at Ole Miss
• Time: Noon CT
• Location: SJB Pavilion, Oxford, MS.
• TV: SEC Network