Game Details:
- Matchup: Oklahoma Sooners (17-11, 4-11 SEC) at Ole Miss Rebels (19-9, 8-7 SEC)
- Date: Saturday, March 2, 2025
- Time: 1 p.m. CT
- Location: SJB Pavilion, Oxford, Mississippi
- TV: ESPN2
- Radio: Sooner Sports Radio Network
Game Preview
Oklahoma heads to Oxford looking to shake off a tough 83-82 loss to Kentucky, while Ole Miss tries to snap a three-game losing streak. Both teams have had their ups and downs in SEC play, and with March Madness approaching, every game holds postseason implications. While the Rebels are still in good shape for an NCAA Tournament bid, Oklahoma likely needs a strong finish to secure a spot in the field.
Oklahoma at a Glance
- Record: 17-11 overall, 4-11 SEC
- Offensive Stats: 77.9 PPG, 46.9% FG, 36.3% 3PT, 78.7% FT
- Defensive Stats: 73.8 PPG allowed, 44.4% opponent FG, 29.9% opponent 3PT
- Key Players:
- Jalon Moore – 17.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 48.3% FG
- Jeremiah Fears – 16.0 PPG, 4.0 APG, 1.6 SPG
- Brycen Goodine – 8.3 PPG, 45.6% 3PT
Oklahoma has struggled in conference play but has remained competitive against top-tier teams. Their offense, led by Moore and Fears, can put up points efficiently, but defensive inconsistencies have been a problem. The Sooners will need a strong showing on both ends to steal a road win in Oxford.
Ole Miss at a Glance
- Record: 19-9 overall, 8-7 SEC
- Offensive Stats: 77.5 PPG, 44.5% FG, 73.3% FT
- Defensive Stats: 70.5 PPG allowed, 42.5% opponent FG, 31.9% opponent 3PT
- Key Players:
- Sean Pedulla – 14.8 PPG, 3.8 APG, 1.9 SPG
- Jaylen Murray – 12.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.6 3PM
- Allen Flanigan – 11.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG
Ole Miss has been one of the tougher teams to beat at home this season, boasting an 11-3 record at SJB Pavilion. However, recent struggles have put them on the edge of the NCAA Tournament bubble. A win over Oklahoma would solidify their postseason positioning.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Jalon Moore vs. Ole Miss’ Interior Defense
Moore has been Oklahoma’s most consistent scorer and has the ability to take over games. Ole Miss has struggled defending dominant forwards in recent games, so look for Moore to attack inside early and often.
2. Sean Pedulla vs. Jeremiah Fears
This battle of dynamic guards could determine the game’s outcome. Pedulla, an Edmond, Oklahoma native, leads Ole Miss in scoring and assists. Fears, a standout freshman, has been one of the top SEC rookies. If Oklahoma wants to win, Fears must hold his own against Pedulla.
3. Three-Point Shooting Battle
Both teams have elite perimeter threats. Goodine is shooting 45.6% from deep, while Ole Miss has multiple players who can heat up from three. The team that wins the long-range battle may have the upper hand.
Recent Form
- Oklahoma: 3-7 in last 10 games, coming off a tough loss to Kentucky.
- Ole Miss: 4-6 in last 10 games, losing three straight (Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Auburn).
Both teams have struggled recently, but Ole Miss has the advantage of playing at home. The Rebels’ last home win came against Georgia, but their losses in Oxford have been to ranked SEC opponents .
Prediction and Final Thoughts
Oklahoma’s offense is capable of scoring in bunches, but the Sooners’ defense has been inconsistent, especially in SEC play. If Moore and Fears can generate enough scoring while limiting turnovers, Oklahoma has a chance to win on the road. However, Ole Miss is a tough team at home, and Pedulla’s leadership, coupled with the Rebels’ defensive ability, may prove too much.
Final Score Prediction: Ole Miss 79, Oklahoma 71
Expect a competitive matchup, but the Rebels should have the slight edge at home.
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