The Ole Miss men’s basketball team broke its challenging 10-game losing streak last Saturday by claiming a victory on Auburn’s home court. While this win did not significantly reshape the trajectory of the Rebels’ season, it offered a sigh of relief and potential momentum heading into the SEC Tournament, where unexpected outcomes frequently occur.
Looking ahead, the Rebels must now prepare for a tough contest against No. 22 Vanderbilt, who are visiting Oxford on Tuesday evening. Vanderbilt, having previously defeated Ole Miss by three points just a month ago, poses a significant challenge.
The Commodores arrive with a strong record of 22-7 overall and a 9-7 mark in SEC play, although they have encountered some recent struggles, losing three of their last four games. This includes defeats to Missouri and Tennessee, a victory against Georgia, and a recent setback against Kentucky. Despite these losses, Vanderbilt remains a highly regarded team, currently ranked 22nd in the Coaches Poll and 24th in the Associated Press rankings.
Vanderbilt’s offense is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating both balance and efficiency. Four players average double figures in scoring, with guard Tyler Tanner leading the way at 18.5 points per game. The Commodores excel in rebounding by committee, with Devin McGlockton averaging 6.8 rebounds. A key concern for Ole Miss will be guarding sharpshooter Tyler Nickel, who has made 92 three-pointers at a remarkable 40.9% clip, making him a top-tier perimeter threat.
Statistically, Vanderbilt showcases impressive metrics:
– An assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.73, ranking 13th nationally
– Scoring an average of 86.9 points per game, placing 14th
– A free-throw percentage of 78.2%, which is 16th
– A scoring margin of +12.4, ranking 24th
Despite their recent losses, Vanderbilt’s seasoned roster possesses the ability to score from all areas and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. For Ole Miss, maintaining defensive discipline will be critical in this matchup.
The upcoming game details are as follows:
Who: No. 22 Vanderbilt Commodores (22-7, 9-7 SEC) at Ole Miss Rebels (12-17, 4-12 SEC)
When: 8 p.m. on Tuesday
Where: SJB Pavilion, Oxford, Miss.
TV: SECN+
Radio: Live Radio
Stats: Live Stats
Historically, Vanderbilt leads the series against Ole Miss with a record of 81-49. In their last encounter, the Commodores narrowly defeated the Rebels 71-68 on January 31, 2026.
As the Rebels aim to build on their recent success, they will need strong performances from their key players, including AJ Storr, who leads the team with 15.1 points per game. With determination and a newfound sense of confidence, Ole Miss strives to make an impact in their upcoming game against a formidable opponent.