Can Auburn defeat the extreme Ole Miss team in a rematch?

As the 2025 college basketball season heats up, Auburn finds itself on the verge of a thrilling rematch with one of the most unpredictable teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) — the Ole Miss Rebels. The first encounter between these two teams this season was a heated, hard-fought battle that saw the Rebels emerge victorious, shocking many as they handed Auburn a tough loss. With a rematch looming on the horizon, the question arises: can Auburn rebound from that defeat and overcome the extreme challenge posed by Ole Miss?

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, analyze what went wrong for Auburn in the first matchup, and explore whether Auburn can adjust and rise to the occasion to defeat Ole Miss in the rematch.

Ole Miss: The Extreme Team

The Ole Miss Rebels have been an enigma in the SEC this season. Under head coach Kermit Davis, Ole Miss has often been inconsistent, but when they hit their stride, they are a force to be reckoned with. The Rebels’ style of play has been unpredictable at times, characterized by a fast-paced offense, swarming defense, and a never-say-die attitude that often catches their opponents off guard.

One of the most notable aspects of Ole Miss’s style is its high-energy defense. The Rebels thrive on pressing the ball, forcing turnovers, and creating chaos for opposing offenses. They are known for generating a lot of steals, often turning them into fast-break points, which can be devastating for teams that aren’t prepared to handle their pressure.

Offensively, Ole Miss is often led by a standout scorer, Torey Avery, whose ability to drive to the basket, shoot from range, and create opportunities for his teammates has been key for the Rebels. Avery has been a nightmare for defenders all season, and his ability to take over games in clutch moments makes Ole Miss a dangerous team, capable of pulling off upsets against top-tier SEC competition.

Ole Miss also benefits from a balanced offensive attack, with several players capable of scoring in double figures. While Avery gets the headlines, Matthew Morgan and Jaquez Johnson have stepped up to provide significant contributions. Morgan has been a versatile scoring threat, capable of attacking the rim and knocking down outside shots, while Johnson’s strength and hustle have made him a key player on both ends of the floor. Ole Miss’s offensive depth makes them hard to defend, as they can beat you in multiple ways.

The Rebels’ ability to adapt to different styles of play is one of their biggest strengths. Whether it’s a high-scoring game or a defensive battle, Ole Miss has the personnel and mentality to stay competitive. However, consistency has been their Achilles’ heel at times, and when they are off, they can struggle to maintain their defensive intensity and offensive efficiency.

Auburn’s Struggles in the First Matchup

The first game between Auburn and Ole Miss this season was a tough one for the Tigers, as they were unable to keep pace with Ole Miss’s high-pressure defense and fast tempo. Despite Johni Broome’s best efforts, Auburn’s offense struggled to get into a rhythm, often being disrupted by Ole Miss’s swarming defensive schemes. Turnovers plagued Auburn throughout the game, and their inability to handle the defensive pressure limited their scoring opportunities.

Auburn’s defensive effort in that matchup also left much to be desired. While the Tigers have been solid on the defensive end for most of the season, Ole Miss was able to break down their defense with smart ball movement, timely shooting, and opportunistic fast breaks. Auburn’s inability to contain Avery and his teammates led to easy scoring opportunities for Ole Miss, who capitalized on every mistake.

The Tigers also struggled on the boards, allowing Ole Miss to control the glass and limit their own second-chance opportunities. The lack of physicality in the paint hurt Auburn, especially when it came to defending Ole Miss’s bigger players and preventing them from scoring inside. The Tigers’ inability to box out and secure rebounds made it difficult for them to establish any sort of offensive rhythm.

Auburn was also without Jaylin Williams for that matchup, who was nursing an injury, leaving a significant gap in the team’s depth and defensive capabilities. Williams’ absence was felt on both ends of the floor, as he is one of Auburn’s most dynamic players, known for his ability to score, rebound, and defend. His defensive presence on the perimeter and in the paint could have helped limit Ole Miss’s offensive efficiency.

What Can Auburn Do Differently in the Rematch?

As Auburn prepares for the rematch with Ole Miss, there are several key adjustments they will need to make in order to secure a victory. While Ole Miss’s style of play may have caught them off guard in the first game, the Tigers have the talent and experience to adapt and come out on top. Here are a few areas where Auburn can make significant improvements:

1. Handling the Pressure:

One of the biggest challenges Auburn faced in the first matchup was Ole Miss’s aggressive, high-pressure defense. The Rebels thrive on forcing turnovers, and Auburn was unable to handle that pressure effectively. In the rematch, the Tigers must be better prepared to break the press and execute their offense with poise.

Auburn will need Wendell Green Jr. and Zep Jasper to step up as ball handlers, ensuring that the Tigers can initiate their offense without falling victim to turnovers. Broome, who has been a dynamic playmaker, will also need to assert himself as a primary ball handler when needed, helping to alleviate some of the pressure on Green and Jasper. If Auburn can protect the ball and execute their plays efficiently, they will be much better positioned to break down Ole Miss’s defense.

2. Rebounding and Physicality:

Auburn’s struggles on the glass in the first matchup against Ole Miss were a major factor in their defeat. The Rebels were able to dominate the rebounding battle, especially on the offensive boards, where they were able to generate second-chance points. To turn the tide in the rematch, Auburn must focus on improving its rebounding efforts.

The return of Jaylin Williams could be a game-changer here. Williams is one of Auburn’s best rebounders, and his presence in the paint would provide the Tigers with an added physicality that they lacked in the first game. His ability to battle on the boards and box out Ole Miss’s bigger players will be crucial in limiting second-chance opportunities for the Rebels.

Auburn’s frontcourt, led by Johni Broome and Chris Moore, must also be more physical and aggressive in contesting shots and securing rebounds. If they can match Ole Miss’s intensity on the glass, it will go a long way toward neutralizing one of the Rebels’ biggest advantages.

3. Defensive Adjustments:

While Auburn has one of the best defenses in the SEC, they were unable to contain Ole Miss’s offensive flow in the first matchup. The Tigers will need to make adjustments to better defend against the Rebels’ dynamic scoring options, particularly Torey Avery.

Auburn’s defense will need to focus on limiting Avery’s ability to penetrate and get to the rim. Whether it’s through double-teaming or forcing him into difficult shots, Auburn must find ways to contain his scoring ability. Additionally, the Tigers will need to close out on shooters like Matthew Morgan and Jaquez Johnson, who can stretch the defense with their perimeter shooting.

Auburn must also be more disciplined in defending Ole Miss’s fast break. The Rebels thrive on transition opportunities, and Auburn must do a better job of getting back on defense and preventing easy fast-break points. Limiting transition opportunities will be key in slowing down Ole Miss’s offense and forcing them into more half-court sets.

4. Offensive Efficiency:

Auburn’s offense will need to be more efficient and balanced in the rematch. In the first game, they struggled to find a consistent rhythm, especially with their shooting. The Tigers will need to create better looks for Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams, as well as get key contributions from other players like Wendell Green Jr. and Dylan Cardwell.

Offensively, Auburn must avoid forcing shots and take advantage of high-percentage opportunities. Whether it’s through ball movement, pick-and-roll action, or creating open looks from the perimeter, Auburn must be patient and execute their offense effectively. Broome’s leadership and ability to score in clutch moments will be critical in ensuring that Auburn’s offense runs smoothly.

Can Auburn Defeat Ole Miss?

Ultimately, the key to Auburn’s success in the rematch against Ole Miss will come down to their ability to execute. If the Tigers can take care of the ball, rebound with intensity, and make the necessary defensive adjustments, they have the talent and depth to overcome Ole Miss’s challenges and secure the victory.

Auburn has the advantage of experience, depth, and coaching, all of which will play a pivotal role in the rematch. If they can channel their previous struggles into motivation, the Tigers have a good chance to defeat the extreme Ole Miss team and move closer to their SEC title aspirations.

This rematch is sure to be another thrilling chapter in the intense rivalry between Auburn and Ole Miss, and for Auburn, it’s a chance to show how far they’ve come since the first meeting. The Tigers will need to be at their best to overcome the challenge, but with the right adjustments, they have all the tools necessary to come out on top.