ole miss basketball at Reed Arena: Rebels seek end to seven-game skid
Ole Miss arrives in College Station on Wednesday night carrying a seven-game losing streak, trailing deeper into the SEC standings. The Rebels, 11-14 overall and 3-9 in conference play, will try to slow a slide that has threatened their postseason hopes when they face Texas A& M. Tip-off is set for 6: 00 PM ET at Reed Arena.
Rebels' slide and Storr's steady scoring
The most straightforward storyline for the visiting team is the losing streak. Despite the results, senior guard AJ Storr has remained a bright spot, averaging 14. 6 points per game and consistently producing double-digit scoring nights. His steady production will be critical if the Rebels hope to find offensive balance and confidence.
Head coach Chris Beard, in his third season, has been working to recalibrate rotations and defensive assignments as the season winds toward the conference tournament. The Rebels have shown flashes on both ends but have struggled to close games and sustain leads, a trend that must change quickly if they are to climb out of their current hole.
Aggies' faltering start to SEC play
Texas A& M opened conference play 7-1 and sat atop the standings no more than two weeks ago. That momentum has disappeared amid a four-game losing streak that has dropped the Aggies to eighth in the league. Early-season optimism has been replaced by questions about consistency and late-game execution.
Rashaun Agee currently leads the Aggies in scoring and rebounding, averaging 13. 7 points and 8. 9 rebounds per game, though he managed just eight points in Texas A& M's most recent outing. The Aggies will need Agee to regain his early-conference form and for perimeter shooters to rediscover accuracy; recent offensive lapses have allowed opponents to manufacture runs and seize control.
First-year head coach Bucky McMillan faces the familiar challenge of steadying a club through a midseason funk. Tactical adjustments and lineup changes are likely as the staff looks to end the skid before the schedule tightens further.
Matchups and what to watch
Key matchups will likely determine the game's outcome. Containing AJ Storr without sacrificing interior defense is a priority for the Aggies. If Texas A& M can force the Rebels to rely on lower-percentage looks or long two-point attempts, they increase their chances of snapping the slump.
On the other end, Ole Miss must decide how to limit Rashaun Agee's touches and neutralize second-chance opportunities. Rebounding and defensive communication will be essential; the team that controls the glass and protects the paint should have the edge in transition opportunities and scoring efficiency.
Bench production could also swing momentum. Both teams have leaned on a core rotation, and whoever gets consistent scoring from reserves will have an advantage late in the game. Turnovers and free-throw shooting are other areas to monitor — both squads have seen games decided by carelessness and missed chances from the line.
With both teams pressing to reverse trends, expect an intense atmosphere at Reed Arena and a physical contest on the floor. The outcome will shape short-term expectations for each program as the regular season approaches its final stretch.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6: 00 PM ET. Fans and evaluators will be watching how each coaching staff attempts to arrest losing stretches and find sustainable rotations heading into the business end of the schedule.
