The Mississippi State Bulldogs (13-1, 1-0 SEC) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the Ole Miss Rebels (8-6, 1-1 SEC) at The Pavilion at Ole Miss. The game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018, and will air on SEC Network.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Ole Miss Rebels ATS Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last outing, they topped the No. 22 Arkansas Razorbacks, 78-75. The Bulldogs had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.407 (above their season average of 0.217) and had a turnover percentage of 8.4 (better than their season average of 17.9). Quinndary Weatherspoon had a solid performance for Mississippi State, contributing 22 points and seven rebounds.
The Rebels lost to the Georgia Bulldogs in their last contest, 71-60. Georgia’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Ole Miss. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.281 (below their season average of 0.318), while the Rebels posted a mark of 0.057 (below their season average of 0.276). Breein Tyree had a good game for Ole Miss, leading the team in scoring with 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball security could play a significant role in this meeting. Ole Miss commits the 40th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent), while the gambling defense of Mississippi State forces the 44th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.6 percent). Moreover, the Bulldogs, who rank 54th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.6 percent), will square off against the Rebels, who rank 262nd in defensive rebounding percentage (69.1 percent).
After the Rebels won both matchups against the Bulldogs last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Ole Miss won 87-82. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Ole Miss’ largest strengths. They made 44 trips to the line, while Mississippi State went just 25 times.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at Ole Miss Rebels Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Ole Miss, ATS Winner – Ole Miss, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Mississippi State ranks 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.2) while Ole Miss ranks 224th (16.4).
The Bulldogs rank 39th in rebounds per game (39.9) while the Rebels rank 213th in rebounds allowed per game (38.1).
Ole Miss ranks 53rd in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while Mississippi State ranks 205th in three pointers allowed per game (24.3).
The Bulldogs rank 12th in blocks per game (6.1) while the Rebels rank 34th in blocks allowed per game (2.6).
Mississippi State allows the 38th-fewest steals per game (5.4) while Ole Miss ranks 49th (5.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.8, up from 14.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rebels have scored an average of 79.6 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
