Watch Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma: Tipoff Time, TV, and Streaming Options

It’s January in Mississippi, which means it’s time for Ole Miss fans to shift their focus from football to basketball and catch up on how the teams have been faring in the non-conference games. This year is a bit different, though, with the remarkable success of the Ole Miss football team still in the running for a national title. On the flip side, it has been a challenging season so far for Chris Beard and his revamped squad at Ole Miss, entering SEC play with an 8-5 record.

The Rebels are hitting the road to kick off conference play against Oklahoma, with a tipoff at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. As of Friday, Jan. 2, Ole Miss was ranked 13th in the SEC in NET rankings, sitting at No. 88 nationally, while Oklahoma was ranked 10th in the conference at No. 50 nationally.

Last season, Ole Miss came out on top against the Sooners in a close 87-84 game in Oxford. The Sooners’ coaching staff may have some extra motivation going into this matchup. Porter Moser, in his fifth season, boasts an 84-62 overall record, compared to Beard’s third season with a 52-29 record. These are two experienced coaches with a history of success, promising an engaging showdown similar to last year.

Despite a strong early victory against Memphis, Ole Miss has not yet secured that standout win this season. Close losses to teams like Iowa, Utah, and St. John’s have been missed opportunities to bolster their resume. Now, as conference play begins, the Rebels will need to come together to make a push for the postseason.

While the odds may seem slim, it’s worth noting that the Rebels made a rare Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season, marking a high point in Beard’s tenure. A slight regression to the mean was to be expected after the departure of key players and a rebuilt roster.

According to ESPN Analytics, the Sooners are predicted to win with a 69.9% likelihood before the game. In order to have a shot at a victory, Ole Miss will need to contain guards Nijel Pack and Xzayvier Brown, both averaging over 15 points per game. Oklahoma excels in ball security, ranking in the top 20 for turnovers and assist-to-turnover ratio.

The much-anticipated matchup between Oklahoma and Ole Miss will take place on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 2:30 p.m. CT, airing on SEC Network.