Mississippi (19-8) at Auburn (25-2)
- When: Feb 26 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Neville Arena, Auburn, AL, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Preview
Auburn Favored by 12.5, Total Set at 153.5
The No. 1 Auburn Tigers look to continue their dominance in the SEC when they host Ole Miss on Wednesday night. The Rebels have already proven they can take down a top-tier opponent on the road, having stunned then-No. 4 Alabama in Tuscaloosa last month. However, their 4-6 stretch since that upset has raised questions about their consistency as they head into another hostile road environment.
With Auburn favored by 12.5 points and the total set at 153.5, this matchup presents intriguing betting angles. Can Ole Miss cover the spread, or will Auburn’s high-powered offense continue to steamroll its competition?
Ole Miss Rebels: Searching for Consistency After a Hot Start
Ole Miss (19-8, 8-6 SEC) enters this game hoping history repeats itself after their statement win over Alabama last month. The Rebels were once among the SEC’s hottest teams, starting conference play 4-0 and sitting at 15-2 overall. However, since then, they’ve struggled against ranked opponents, dropping four of their last six games.
One of those losses came at home against Auburn on Feb. 1, when the Tigers controlled the game in a 92-82 win. Since that game, Ole Miss has also lost to Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, further dimming their once-bright outlook.
Despite their recent struggles, head coach Chris Beard remains confident that his team can compete with the SEC’s elite.
“I think we can play with teams like this right now,” Beard said after their first loss to Auburn. “I know we can. We’ll just keep working toward where we can beat teams like this in March.”
The Rebels are essentially locked into an NCAA Tournament berth, but their seeding is still up for grabs. With games against Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Florida left on the schedule, every opportunity to build momentum matters.
Offensively, Malik Dia has stepped up in recent games, leading the team in both scoring (10.3 PPG) and rebounding (5.7 RPG) in two of their last three contests. However, Ole Miss will need more than just one standout performance to keep pace with Auburn’s elite offense.
Key Betting Trends for Ole Miss:
Ole Miss is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games as an underdog.
The Rebels have covered in four of their last six matchups against Auburn.
Ole Miss is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven games overall.
Auburn Tigers: Aiming to Keep Their No. 1 Ranking Intact
Auburn (25-2, 13-1 SEC) has been the most dominant team in the country, and despite a slip-up against Florida on Feb. 8, the Tigers have bounced back in a big way. They are riding a four-game winning streak, most notably taking down Alabama 94-85 on the road Saturday.
With the SEC regular-season title nearly locked up, Auburn is now focused on maintaining its grip on the No. 1 ranking while preparing for a deep tournament run.
“We’re clearly getting everyone’s best shot,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “That’s great because to the victor go the spoils. A victory over Auburn could really get somebody off the bubble and into the tournament. … We’re going to get that again Wednesday night against Ole Miss, even though Ole Miss is already in.”
The Tigers boast one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball, ranking sixth in the nation with 84.3 points per game. That high-powered attack is led by Johni Broome, who is averaging 18.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Broome has been the front-runner for SEC Player of the Year and is one of the top contenders for National Player of the Year alongside Duke’s Cooper Flagg.
With tough matchups against Kentucky, Texas A&M, and a rematch with Alabama still ahead, Auburn will want to take care of business at home against an inconsistent Ole Miss squad.
Key Betting Trends for Auburn:
Auburn is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 home games.
The Tigers have won their last five meetings against Ole Miss.
Auburn is 1-4 ATS in its last five games as a double-digit favorite.
Game Prediction & Best Bets
Auburn has been dominant at home, and their balanced offensive attack should overwhelm Ole Miss’ inconsistent defense. The Rebels have been competitive in recent meetings, but their struggles in ranked matchups this season make it hard to trust them on the road.
However, Auburn has failed to cover in four of its last five games as a double-digit favorite, which makes Ole Miss a tempting underdog play. If the Rebels can keep this within striking distance, they could sneak inside the number late.
Best Bets:
Ole Miss +12.5 – The Rebels have struggled, but they have a track record of keeping things close against Auburn.
Over 153.5 – Both teams push the pace, and Auburn ranks among the nation’s top scoring offenses.
Final Score Prediction: Auburn 85, Ole Miss 75
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
