The Ole Miss Men’s Basketball team has a tough challenge this Saturday as the 22nd ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs roll into Oxford.

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The 19th ranked Rebels will look to build upon a three game winning streak, beating Kentucky, LSU and South Carolina in the process. The key for Ole Miss’ recent success has been their first half offense finally getting it together. They went into the half with a lead against both Kentucky and South Carolina. The Rebels’ defense has also been on point, having 12 steals over the last three games, while also forcing their opponents to shoot 50 percent or less from the field. 

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Key Players

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There are a few players for the Rebels side that need to have good games in order for Ole Miss to have a chance at beating a tough Bulldogs team. The first player is forward/center Malik Dia. Dia is coming off an 18 point, three rebound game, something that Rebel faithful have grown accustomed to with him. When he is on, Dia is nearly unstoppable, as seen in his game against Alabama, where he had 23 points. It should be a good battle for rebounds between him and Mississippi State big Keshawn Murphy. 

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It is expected for guard Sean Pedulla to have a good game, but for this game he needs to be able to shut down Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard. Hubbard is a great scorer, averaging 17.6 points per game, shooting 40 percent from the field. He is no doubt the engine that keeps the Bulldogs running and Pedulla can slow him down, Ole Miss could capitalize on that.

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Prediction

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This game will undoubtedly be tough for the Rebels, as Mississippi State is always a tough game. I think Ole Miss will get their revenge and take the win in Oxford. Sean Pedulla will lead the way to victory for the Rebels

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Final Score: Ole Miss 84 - Mississippi State 80

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