Sat Feb 01 21:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Ole Miss Rebels Set for Historic Showdown Against No. 1 Auburn Tigers

**Oxford, MS** – The Ole Miss Rebels (16-5, 5-3 SEC) face their biggest challenge yet this Saturday: a home matchup against the undefeated No. 1 ranked Auburn Tigers (19-1, 7-0 SEC). Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. CT at the sold-out SJB Pavilion, airing on ESPN.

This game presents a unique opportunity for Ole Miss. While head coach Chris Beard emphasizes that every game is crucial, a victory would mark the program’s first-ever win against a No. 1 ranked team. Their previous attempts (0-16) have all resulted in defeat. Earlier this season, Ole Miss achieved a historic road win over a top-5 opponent, setting the stage for this potential upset.

Auburn, a powerhouse led by preseason SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome (averaging 18.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game), presents a formidable challenge. Despite recently missing games due to an ankle injury, Broome and the Tigers boast an impressive 12-1 record against Quad 1 opponents. Their dominance extends to national rankings, where they lead the country in blocks per game (7.0) and hold top-five positions in assist-turnover ratio and scoring margin.

Ole Miss assistant coach Brian Burg acknowledges Auburn’s strength, highlighting Broome and their overall talent. However, Burg expressed confidence in the Rebels’ ability to execute their game plan and compete at a high level. The Rebels themselves are strong, currently ranked No. 22 in the NCAA NET and boasting a strong turnover margin (third-best in the NCAA).

The game is anticipated as a closely fought contest between two top-tier SEC teams, each with high NCAA tournament seeding projections. For Ole Miss, a victory would not only be a monumental upset but a significant step towards solidifying their postseason aspirations.

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